Week of October 26

Having just spent two days with the Lake Elementary teaching staff at the 2015 CUE Conference (Computer Using Educators), I must admit I'm on an educational "high". With over 400 educators in attendance, it's inspirational to see and hear what goes on in other schools. And not only that, many of the presenters were classroom teachers. They understand what it means to "be in the trenches" and are sharing tools, strategies, techniques that have not only enhanced their skills, but their students' learning as well. But wait, there's more....not only did we gain more insight into how to better utilize the technology we are fortunate to have at Lake, the time we spent together was invaluable. I couldn't ask for a better team of teachers. And there were a few times they made me laugh so hard my cheeks hurt...that's a great problem to have. I'm including our "Panthers!" picture in this week's blog. This is a picture of us attempting to spell Panthers before the conference began. Just for clarity, Mr. Sonberg is an exclamation point and I am a growling (or giggling) Panther. Go Panthers!

Monday, October 26
Spirit Week - Pink Day
8:15 - Off-campus for the morning attending SELPA and Sup meetings in Willows
12:00 - SpEd Staffing meeting - my office
2:00 - IEP meeting - staff building

Tuesday, October 27
Spirit Week - 80s Day
9:30 - Grades K&1 to Country Pumpkins, Mrs. Taylor's group to post office
1:30 - LCAP Data Review

Wednesday, October 28
Spirit Week - Lazy Day
Flag Football and Volleyball Tournament - Lake
9:30 - Grades 2&3 to Country Pumpkins
11:15 - Art with 8th grade
3:00 - Teacher meeting - 7th grade classroom

Thursday, October 29
Spirit Week - Crazy Hair Day
Flag Football and Volleyball Tournament - Lake
8:45 - Language Lab - 2nd grade

Friday, October 30
Spirit Week - Halloween Costume
Minimum Day - 12:50 dismissal
8:45 - Halloween Parade - outside
Classroom parties at various times

Week of October 19

Halfway through the month of October and fall is in the air...or so the calendar says it is. Mornings are cool, afternoons continue to be above 90 degrees. Which means this is the time of year the Lost and Found starts to take a life of its own. But this year is different...if you haven't had a chance to check out the beautiful lost and found closet donated by the incredible Lake PTO, be sure to do so. And while you're looking at the fine craftsmanship, take a look at the clothes that are beginning to accumulate, they just might belong to your son or daughter.

Speaking of PTO, the annual Spaghetti Feed and Carnival is right around the corner. Keep selling those tickets and remember this year PTO has asked each family to donate one item to the raffle prizes. This is a great way to help PTO raise funds for the school...every dollar raised goes back to the school. Thanks in advance to all those who have already donated. Donated items can be turned into Cheri...she'll be sure PTO gets them.

Monday, October 19
9:00 - LCAP meeting with GCOE - office
10:30 - 6th & 7th grade to CSU - Chico
11:50 - Staffing Meeting - office
3:00 - SPARK meeting at GCOE - Orland

Tuesday, October 20
8:30 - Fisher Cadre Training - Red Bluff
9:30 - 4th and 5th grade to Country Pumpkins - Orland
3:00 - Board meeting - 7th grade classroom

Wednesday, October 21
Mr. Goings and Mr. Sonberg to workshop in morning - Orland
Mrs. Quillen to workshop in afternoon - Orland
Subbing for Mr. Sonberg in morning, Mrs. Quillen in afternoon
3:00 - Teacher meeting - 7th grade

Thursday, October 22
Nurse on campus for hearing and vision screening
8:45 - 2nd grade Language Lab
9:15 - Leave for County Spelling Bee - Willows
12:50 - Lake vs. Capay at Lake - Football and Volleyball

Friday, October 23
No school - Staff inservice
Mrs. Schager's birthday
Teachers and I will be headed to CUE Conference - Computer Using Educators - at American Canyon High School. This top-notch technology conference is a great way for us to learn how to effectively use technology to increase student achievement. This is a two-day conference, but if I've got to work on a Saturday, I wouldn't choose anyone else but the Lake staff. Here's a link to the conference program if you're interested. If you check it out before we leave on Friday and there's something you're interested in, tell your child's teachers. Often at conferences like this one, there are so many sessions it's hard to choose. Knowing a parent has an interest on a topic might make it easier to choose.

Office staff will be on hand if you need to stop by the office on Friday. Might be a great day to pay a lunch balance if you have one.

Week of October 12

Fall Break has come and gone and here we go into the middle of October. I hope everyone had a great break. I found myself reading educational journals, articles and blogs. Many of these readings described best practices in teaching, academic and behavioral programs implemented at successful schools, and collaborative efforts put forth by all staff. Several times I found myself thinking, "We do that at Lake." Or, "I've seen that strategy utilized in classrooms." As the educational leader of our fine institution, it's comforting knowing our dedicated staff continues to hone their craft in ways that is supported by educational research. And while students may have been on break, I know that many of our staff were working on ways to increase their own effectiveness in and outside the classroom. And now let's head into this week:


Monday, October 12
Columbus Day

Tuesday, October 13
Spelling Bee registration due today - please get me your names today
9:30 - Conference call - office
1:30 - 2nd & 3rd grade to library
3:00 - SPARK meeting - GCOE, Orland
3:00 - SST
3:00 - Initial IEP

Wednesday, October 14
Minimum day - 12:50 dismissal
11:00 - Workability in Learning Center
1:15 - Teacher meeting - 7th grade classroom
6:00 - PTO meeting

Thursday, October 15
Great American Shakeout - Earthquake drill

Friday, October 16
Lake vs. Vina at Vina