Week of December 15

This month has been crazy busy! A visit from our State Superintendent of Public Instruction, a day of school cancelled due to weather, and now we head into the week of gingerbread houses, Santa's workshop and the Christmas program; but wait, let's not forget about Pajama Day on Friday! Here's how it plays out for me.

Monday, December 15
3:00 - Meeting in Learning Center

Tuesday, December 16
3:00 - Board Meeting - 7th grade classroom
Teachers and parents meeting in Mrs. Schager's classroom to prepare gingerbread houses

Wednesday, December 17
Teacher meeting cancelled - that's my Christmas present to you! :)

Thursday, December 18
Hold on to your hats, it's going to be a wild day. Staff has the schedule for the day. Students will be busy practicing at Memorial Hall for the program and shopping at Santa's workshop (except for Kinder as they shop Friday morning). I will be off-campus most of the day assisting at Memorial Hall.

Lake Staff: please arrive at Memorial Hall, with your family, no later than 4:45 p.m. I'd like to start eating by then. Once we're done eating, we'll need to put the chairs back in the hall. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m.

Friday, December 19
Minimum Day - Pajama Day - Yahoo! For new staff members, we all wear pajamas, I promise! Be sure to wear your PJs today.

After all students are dismissed, we'll head down to Farwood for our staff party. Remember to bring a $10 gift if you want to participate in the gift exchange.

As I think about the week ahead, my calendar seems pretty light, but I'm certain this is one of the craziest weeks of the year - and I LOVE crazy! What a great week it's going to be! Have fun and remember that Santa is watching. :)

Week of December 8

Wow, what a week at Lake Elementary! Field trips to the library for 2, 3, 4, and 5 grades. Industry tour at North Valley Nut for 7 and 8 grades. Our distinguished guest, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Torlakson, was on campus Thursday. And Friday we held our monthly assembly announcing student of the month and honor roll recipients. December's word of the month was also introduced, and very fitting for this time of the year: CARING.

Here we go into December 8 from the lens of Mrs. Baker.

Monday, December 8
Mrs. Quillen will be gone on Monday. Mr. Payne will be her sub.

Workability will be on campus for students in grades 5-8. This month's focus career is Arts and Communication.

I will be off-campus in the morning to interview a music candidate. Hope to be back mid-morning.

Tuesday, December 9
9:15 - Meeting in my office with Bobbi and Diane
1:00 - Meeting with Mr. Karle to draft board agenda
3:00 - Edivation Webinar in my office along with Mrs. Quillen

And might it be someone's birthday?

Wednesday, December 10
Minimum Day

1:15 - iReady workshop for teachers. This would have ordinarily been an all-staff meeting, however, I was able to schedule a trainer for this minimum day, so I wanted to take advantage of that.

6:00 - PTO meeting at Round Table

Thursday, December 11
After school basketball teams will take on Oak Tree.

Friday, December 12
12:30 - Panther Basketball at Orland Rec Center to take on Capay. This will impact our lunch schedule. Stay tuned to the details on times.

Have a great week!

Week of December 1

I hope you all had a relaxing Thanksgiving. I think I could have used one more day. :)

It's an exciting week at the school, capped off with a visit from State Superintendent of Public Instruction (SSPI), Tom Torlakson, on Thursday. Here's how the week looks from my perspective.

Monday, December 1
Low-key day with a SST meeting at 8:00 a.m.

Lake 4-H will have a few meetings in the cafeteria. Club meeting starts at 7:00 p.m., but there are some project clubs meeting at 6:00.

Tuesday, December 2
1:30 Grades 2 and 3 to Orland Public Library
3:00 Meeting in Learning Center

Wednesday, December 3
9:00 Grades 4 and 5 to Orland Public Library
3:00 Teacher meeting - 6th grade classroom - remember that K and 1 will give an overview of Chapter 1 from Essential Questions - our book in common

Thursday, December 4
Mrs. Kraemer will be subbing for Mrs. Schager

Grades 7 and 8 will be traveling to North Valley Nut for workability's industry tour. Seventh grade will go in the morning, eighth grade will go in the afternoon. Please remind your students of the dress code for this tour.

I will start the day in Willows with superintendents from Glenn County, along with our board presidents, for a welcoming breakfast at 7:15 a.m. Each district will have time to ask one question. After breakfast, I will head back to Lake; Mr. Torlakson will be visiting other schools as he makes his way north to Orland.  Between 10-11 a.m., Mr. Torlakson will be on campus. My intent is to showcase the value of small schools and how we provide a quality educational environment. This includes the level of service we provide in the cafeteria, in the office, in classrooms, and on the playground. With the limited time we have, we'll do our best to showcase our use of technology. While I know he won't have time to visit every classroom, it would be great if students could share some of the technology they use (in 20 seconds or less). And I'll take a moment of his time to talk about facilities and the need for funds.

Remember that because of this visit, Thursday is Panther Blue Day. Please remind your students to wear Panther Blue today.

1:30 Volunteering in Kinder
3:00 Meeting in Learning Center

Friday, December 5
Mrs. Kraemer on day 2 of subbing for Mrs. Schager

No bus route for morning and afternoon routes

8:45 Assembly - most likely in the cafeteria. Assembly will include Students of the Month for last month's word of the month, Responsibility. December's word of the month will be revealed, as well as certificates given for honor roll.

Have a great week!

Week of November 17

It's a busy week here at Lake Elementary School. Here's how my week looks:

Monday, November 17
I'll be meeting with Bobbi and Diana today around 1:00, but other than that, I hope to get caught up on some paperwork and into classrooms.

Mrs. Schager is out today observing her participating teacher for BTSA. Mrs. Kraemer is her sub in second grade.

Tuesday, November 18
Auditors will be here all day for their bi-annual visit. They will be using the staff building, so if you're a staff member who goes there for lunch, you'll have to find an alternate place to eat. Feel free to continue to use the copier, but they'll be set up at the big table in the big room.

Great American Smoke-out Presentations will be occurring in grades 5-8 throughout the morning.

Monthly School Board Meeting in the 7th grade classroom at 3:00 p.m.

Wednesday, November 19
First of three minimum days for Parent-Teacher Conferences, dismissal each day is 12:50 p.m.

I will be gone in the morning at the monthly SELPA and Superintendent's meetings, this time in Orland. Parent-Teacher Conferences from 1:00 - 3:45 p.m.

Thursday, November 20
I'll be eating lunch with some well-behaved third graders as they have earned "lunch with the principal". I'm looking forward to that as lunch with students is one of my favorite parts of this job.

At 1:00 I'll be participating in a webinar getting more familiar with our new statewide assessment system, CAASPP = California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress.

Second day of Parent-Teacher Conferences starting at 1:00 p.m., minimum day.

Friday, November 21
Third and final minimum day for Parent-Teacher Conferences.

And I'm excited to announce that, for the first time in six years, Lake will be hosting a junior high dance. On Friday, November 14, Student Council members presented at a special board meeting for approval of this dance. The Fall Ball will invite 7th and 8th graders from Plaza, Capay, and Lake. Pictures and refreshments will be offered. DJ-ing this great event is our own Lake Graduate, Spencer Kidder. Have a great time!

On a personal note, our favorite cook, Bobbi, will be gone this week Wednesday-Friday. We're so excited for her and her son and the rest of the family as he gets married this weekend! So if you see Bobbi and that odd, glazed look in her eye, just know that it is nothing more than wedding preparation! Fortunately, our great assistant, Diana, will be on hand to keep things going in the kitchen.

Next week we take the week off for Thanksgiving Break. May you have a relaxing, fun-filled week off.

Week of November 10

It was an exciting week for some of our students as grades 2, 3, 4, and 5 traveled to the Orland Public Library for the first time in several years. Students had the opportunity to get to know the library and learn how to check out books. This will be a monthly trip for these grades...educational and fun, too!

On Tuesday, I spoke at the Board of Supervisors meeting in Willows, along with Board Member, Yolanda Martinez, and community business owner, Pat Heitkum, regarding the flashing speed limit radar signs. While we still have some kinks to iron out, it is the expectation that the signs will be up and running by Christmas Break. Looks like 2015 will be the year of the signs!

At the weekly teacher meeting on Wednesday, teachers received a complimentary book, Essential Questions: Opening Doors to Student Understanding, authors Jay McTighe and Grant Wiggins. We will be involved in a book study together learning what an essential question is and how it is different than other kinds of questions we ask in classrooms. Excited about this book study group!

On Friday, the word of the month, FAIRNESS, was introduced at the monthly assembly. Student Council members led the assembly that recognized Students of the Month, Panther Pride, as well as Lake Panthers who are participating in local football and cheer/dance teams.

Whew, what a week. Here's what next week looks like through my lens.

Monday, November 10
Jeans for Troops: Staff members can donate $5 to wear jeans; students can donate $1 to wear hats/beanies all day. Proceeds to veterans and current military personnel.

4:00  Meeting with Dr. Karle - draft board agenda

Tuesday, November 11
No school in honor of Veteran's Day

Wednesday, November 12
3:00  Teacher meeting - 6th grade classroom

Thursday, November 13
8th grade class off-campus to participate in Ropes Course - Paradise
1:30  Kinder volunteer
2:00  Everyday Math webinar

Friday, November 14
End of Trimester 1
10:00  Meeting with Jeffrey Soon
1:00  Maddee and Makenna dentist appointment (maybe dad can take this one)

As we begin to take a look at FAIRNESS for the month of November, here's a quote to live by:

Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring, and integrity, they think of you.

H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Week of November 3

Wow, last week was a crazy, fun, busy week! It was Spirit Week and Red Ribbon Week all rolled into one. We started the week off saying no to drugs and bullying and living a healthy lifestyle by wearing red, plus, the entire school walked one mile....completed with a police escort on Road N. Thanks to Deputy McDonnell for providing us with an escort.

Tuesday was was tie-dye day, a fashion statement that will NEVER go out of style. Wednesday was pink day and the first day of the football and volleyball tournament hosted at the school. Thursday was Panther blue day. Our football and volleyball teams played hard and it showed. Our football team won second while our volleyball team won first place. Way to go, Panthers!

Friday was Halloween and a minimum day. Hmm, I wonder if that was a coincidence. :) The traditional Halloween parade took place on the football field, followed by the annual staff picture, this year dressed up as the Dream Team. All this took place right before the rain began to fall. What a great morning!

And here we go into the first week of November. The following is what it looks through my lens.

We will have a rotating sub for kindergarten and first grade as the teachers pull students for Trimester 1 assessments.

Monday, November 3
Mr. Sonberg has a sub for jury duty
8:30 - Visiting classrooms with 7th grader sharing information about the new Power 30 option: the Garden Club
11:00 - Title III LEP Year 4 Planning Meeting in Willows
7:00 - Lake 4-H meeting in the cafeteria

Tuesday, November 4
Election Day
7:45 - IEP meeting - Learning Center
9:00 - Board of Supervisors meeting - Willows
1:30 - 2nd and 3rd graders to Orland Library
3:00 - IEP meeting - Learning Center

Wednesday, November 5
9:00 - 4th and 5th graders to Orland Library
3:00 - Teacher meeting - this is going to be a fun one - everyone gets a free gift!

Thursday, November 6
1:30 - Kinder volunteer

Friday, November 7
8:45 - Assembly

Week of October 27

Although it was only a 4-day week with students, last week sure seemed busy. Tuesday was busy with the Spelling Bee in Willows. Our students represented the Panthers very well, qualifying 6th grader, Carson, to the state bee next spring. Later that afternoon the October board meeting was held. Most of my Wednesday was a personal day, but I did make it back to school in time for the weekly teacher meeting. I love Wednesday teacher meetings. We start every meeting with a "Lake PD" in which teachers share effective strategies, ideas, and/or problems they have. It's an opportunity to learn from one another...it's always very productive time. On Thursday, Cheri and I left to travel to Sacramento to a 3-day CASBO (California Association of School Business Officials) workshop. Like Congress, I learned that education has two "houses": the instructional house and the business house. As a teacher and administrator for all of my educational career, I was unfamiliar with the "business side" of the house. It was enlightening and we both learned a lot. And quite honestly, Cheri and I had a great time walking around Old Sacramento during the evening when we weren't in workshops. 

While students had Friday off, our dedicated teaching staff traveled to the annual CUE Conference (computer using educators). Easily the best technology conference offered in the north state. I received a lot of texts on both Friday and Saturday regarding exciting things teachers were learning, along with the new strategies and websites they are going to try. A big thank you to the Lake School Board agreeing to calendar this day as a staff in-service day. The value of all the teachers attending a conference together is priceless. 

And here we go into Red Ribbon Week (try saying that three times really fast....it's hard!). Here's what the week's activities look through the lens of Mrs. Baker. 

Monday, October 27

It's Red Day. Be sure to wear red to support saying no to drugs and yes to a healthy lifestyle, including making good nutritional choices when eating. The entire school will take part in a mile walk starting at 10:00 a.m. Students and staff will assemble on the blacktop and then make their way north on Road N. 

The School Site Council meeting scheduled for today has been cancelled. The next meeting will be held Monday, January 26, 2015. 

Tuesday, October 28

It's Tie-dye Day. I guess tie-dye will never go out of style as this seems to be a spirit day every year. I will be off-campus traveling with Mrs. Taylor to Sacramento to attend a Formative Assessment workshop hosted by Renaissance Learning. 

Wednesday, October 29

Red Ribbon Week continues with Pink Day. The two-day volleyball and flag football tournament will begin today on campus. Good luck to our Lake Panthers. Reminder to staff: only students in grades 6-8 can purchase items at the concession stand. 

I will be off-campus most of the morning attending SELPA and Superintendent meetings in Willows. 

Teacher meeting at 3:00 p.m. in Mrs. Mason's room. Teachers: be prepared to share what you've implemented from CUE.

Thursday, October 30

Panther Blue Day. Final day of sports tournament. Let's go, Panthers!

Friday, October 31

Happy Halloween! Halloween parade will take place outside (weather permitting) at 8:45 a.m. Classroom parties. Remember this is a minimum day with dismissal at 12:50 p.m. 

For those of you emailing employment records to me, they are due today. Thanks

Have a great week!

Week of October 20

Wow, what a week it has been. Attended a field trip with K, 1, 2 to Chico State to watch the Okee Dokee Brothers perform blue grass and folk music. It was a great performance! 

Tuesday was busy with two classroom observations. And while the observations themselves are confidential between staff and me, I do want to give a big shout out to the world that Lake students are so very fortunate; we have a staff that is beyond amazing!

Wednesday was a minimum day where teachers and I met in the afternoon to continue our quest to provide the best education possible. Results from the Parent Survey were discussed. 

I ate lunch outside with the 8th graders on Thursday. Spent some time in kindergarten helping out with handwriting, keyboarding, and math. 

Friday included an earthquake and evacuation drill.

The highlight of the week for me was watching our Facebook page likes go over 100. I challenged our followers to encourage others to like our page with a goal of 200 likes by 2015. Good things happen at Lake Elementary every day and I want the world to know about it!

My week also included a tweet on Twitter regarding the fourth grade's video of cheering on the Giants. The cheer worked as our very own San Francisco Giants are headed to the World Series. 

Students in grades K-5 traveled to the Pumpkin Patch. And for the first time in several years, 8th grade buddies traveled to the Pumkpin Patch with their kindergarten buddies. Pics from these trips have been posted on the Lake Elementary Facebook page. 

What a great week. Now here's what next week looks like. 

Monday, October 20

Health and Vision Screening for K, 2, 5, 8

9:00 Meeting with Jeffery Soon

Tuesday, October 21

9:00 Board of Supervisors Meeting - Willows

10:00 Spelling Bee - Willows

3:00 School Board Meeting

Wednesday, October 22

3:00 Teacher Meeting

Thursday, October 23

Cheri and I will be gone attending a conference in Sacramento

Sarah Schager's birthday

Friday, October 24

Staff In-service - no students

CUE Conference for teachers

It sounds like Ellen, Bobbi, and Christine may be on campus to do some work. For those of you not working, have a great day off. 

Week of October 13

Quick reminder, the word of the month is RESPECT. How can you and your students model respect throughout the school day?

Monday, October 13
Columbus Day - any special things happening in your class to recognize Columbus Day?

Students in grades K, 1, 2 will be traveling to CSU, Chico to attend a performance of Okee Dokee Brothers. I will be on the bus for this morning field trip.









Tuesday, October 14
Students in grades 3, 4, 5 will be traveling to the Pumpkin Patch for the annual field trip. My notes have the bus leaving around 9:30 a.m., but that might be the arrival time. No doubt Shannon and the teachers involved have this figured out.

10:15 - Observation in Mr. Rutledge's classroom
1:00 - Observation in Mrs. Wright's classroom
1:30 - Meeting with Dr. Karle to draft next week's board meeting agenda

Wednesday, October 15
Minimum Day
8:00 - 12:00 SELPA Boot Camp - Willows
1:15 - Teacher Meeting

Thursday, October 16
Great American Shakeout - We will be participating in an earthquake drill in support of raising awareness of how to effectively protect yourself during an earthquake. But because we have a lot going on this day. we'll save the drill until Friday morning. I will be forwarding details regarding the Great American Shakeout early next week...also remember to refer to your handbook as it describes what to do during an earthquake drill.

Students in grades K, 1, 2 will be traveling to the Pumpkin Patch for the annual field trip. My plans are to attend this field trip.

1:30 - Volunteer in Kinder

Friday, October 17
12:45 Football and Volleyball vs. Vina - GOOOOO Panthers!

Fall Break

A week off and still great things happening at the school. Shannon has organized the ball shed. Check out the tape outlines that provide guidance in returning things to their "home". We're hoping this is one way to keep the ball shed organized for all.

Our Lake Family made good by the Fall Break. Mr. Sonberg and Mrs. Wright ran into one another all the way in Maui! How cool is that? While not leaving the mainland, Mrs. J traveled to Texas to visit family. While most of us didn't travel to far outside of the state lines, I know it was a well-deserved week off.

I attended my first Glenn County Board of Supervisors meeting during the week. The intent was to raise awareness and support for our speed radar traffic signs. Our project will be on an upcoming board agenda...will continue to provide information to the board as to the importance of this project. My goal is to have the signs installed and working by January 1, 2015.

As a step towards traffic safety at the school, NO PARKING signs were added to the front fence (parallel to Road 9) over the break. Parking is no longer allowed in front of the school. The No Parking signs were suggested by CHP to provide better vision for vehicle traffic pulling onto Road 9 from County Road N. As always, drive safely and obey speed limit laws in and out of school zones.

See you next week!

Ice Bucket Challenge

You heard it here first...ice bucket challenge from Mr. Rutledge.

Week of October 6

The October word of the month is RESPONSIBILITY. I hope you all take responsibility for taking some well-deserved time off this week.

I will be working in the afternoons of Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. With one exception: on Tuesday, I will be traveling to Willows to speak at the Board of Supervisors meeting regarding our radar signs. That meeting starts at 9:00 a.m. for those of you who may wish to join me.

It's been a great week leading up to the fall break. I took a social studies quiz during the week in which I got 4 out of 5 correct. I helped kindergarten students write the letter "B" with a "big line down, rib-it, little circle, little circle." Fourth graders taught me how to subtract 6 digit numbers.

On a personal note, Mrs. Mason gave birth to a beautiful baby girl on Wednesday, October 1. Congratulations to the Mason family. We're so very happy for all of you!

Be good to yourself and have a great week!

True Flix in the Classroom

Utlizing True Flix in third grade. Students can read the informational text or the stories can be read to them. Short videos included. Third graders are learning about the California Gold Rush. True or False: The 49ers football team was named after the gold rush? Ask a Lake third grader for the answer.

Week of September 29

October arrives this week...how did that happen? Here's what my "week at a glance" looks like. 

Monday, September 29

Welcome back to Alec Benz as he starts his long-term sub for Alison

3:30 Pre-Observation Meeting

Tuesday, September 30

All Day MAA Workshop - Gianna and I will be off-campus in Redding
Guest visitor, Jeffery Soon, will be on campus observing cafeteria

Wednesday, October 1

Progress Reports go home

10:15 Classroom Observation

3:00 NSSP Grant meeting in Redding

Regularly scheduled teacher meeting cancelled 

Thursday, October 2

Picture retakes in cafeteria 

1:30 Kinder classroom volunteer

3:30 BTSA meeting at Orland District Office

Friday, October 3

8:45 Assembly

10:15 Grandparent sign-in begins

10:30 Grandparents to classrooms

11:30 Lunch with Grandparents

12:45 Volleyball and Football games
12:50 Subbing for Nate who's covering for Tyler

Have a great week!

8th Grade Buddies

Kindergartners worked with their 8th grade buddies for the first time today. It's a magical moment for all.

Tuesday

Visiting 2nd grade and got a chance to sing the National Anthem. That was cool.

Week of Sept 22

So, I've been blogging since 2007, but not until today at a professional development event did I see the value of blogging for my communication with staff, students, and the community.

Let's see what Lake Staff learned today!

Collaborating during lunch. The learning never ends.