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!