Week of November 30

This time of year seems to go by faster than any other as calendars start to fill up with family get-togethers, holiday parties, and Christmas shopping - for those who participate in the upcoming tradition. Wanting to take a moment to slow down before I get caught up in the holiday madness at school and at home, I'm taking advantage of this week's post by reflecting on the past week.

Thanksgiving, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is the fourth Thursday in November in the U.S celebrated as a legal holiday for people to be thankful for what they have. (An interesting fact: our Canadian neighbors celebrated their Thanksgiving on the second Monday in October.) "Thankful for what they have" - what exactly does that mean? For me, as the instructional leader at Lake Elementary, there is a lot to be thankful for. I'm thankful that we have an involved parent community. Not many schools have the volunteers we do in the classroom on a weekly basis. So much so that teachers can regularly depend on them for assisting with centers, grading, organizing, filing, and more. I've observed parents eating breakfast and lunch with their children, as well as making arrangements so students can attend various school activities - dances, after school tutoring, after school sports, and more. And if it's not a parent I see, it's an involved grandparent!

I'm thankful for the staff in which I commonly refer to as my Lake Family. I'm fortunate to work with caring and motivated people. So many great things happen at our school on a daily basis that go unnoticed; from little things like tying a shoe to bigger things like organizing support for families in need; checking in with one another to make sure they "had a good day"; celebrating birthdays and babies; and just being kind - in a world in which negativity is so commonly reported, all these acts of kindness mean so much.

Most importantly, I'm thankful to be greeted by bright and cheery faces every day, the young learners who have their entire lives before them, but for awhile, call Lake Elementary home. I am thankful to sometimes be the one who wipes away tears and brings out a smile; I'm thankful to hear the laughter of young people and see the seriousness of learning. I'm thankful to hopefully be making a positive difference in the lives of young people. So this Thanksgiving season, I gave thanks for being able to call Lake Elementary my "home".

As someone who is very proud of their "home", I want the Lake Community to know that we have applied for the Gold Ribbon Award.  The California Gold Ribbon Schools Award was created last year to honor schools while the California Distinguished Schools Program is on hiatus as California transitions to new assessment and accountability systems. We submitted our application a few weeks ago and should be notified in mid-January. Our application included a description of the positive and supportive culture that exists on our campus, a culture we describe as LAKE - Leading the Advancement of Knowledge Everyday. Regardless of the outcome of this application, Lake Elementary School is a gold ribbon school. Thank you for all you do to make LAKE possible.

Have a great week.

Week of November 9

Wow, what a weekend! The Lake Panthers PTO did it again. The annual Spaghetti Feed and Carnival was an extraordinary evening. I felt so proud to be part of such a colossal event! While sitting with some friends of ours during dinner, a question was asked if this event was a combination of several schools. I smiled and with a twinkle in my eye, answered, "No, this is just how we roll at Lake Elementary." Or what may be a more current saying of the times, "Go big or go home." Well, we certainly did it big and I was grinning from ear to ear the entire evening.

Many might be surprised to know that I coached girls basketball for about eight years while teaching. In basketball, players are often excited/anxious to be chosen as one of the five "starters". What teams fail to realize is basketball is more than just five players, it's a team of players who bring various strengths to the court. I tried to instill in my players the importance of the "sixth man". Wikipedia defines the sixth man as "a player who is not a starter but comes off the bench much more often than other reserves, often being the first player to be substituted in.  The sixth man often plays minutes equal to or exceeding some of the starters. The presence of a good sixth man is often the sign of team excellence. It usually means that a team has excellent depth..."

Our sixth man, the Lake Community, showed up in force on Saturday night. Our sixth man includes parents, grandparents, babysitters, neighbors, friends. And while they might not be "starters" who are "on the court" at school everyday, it's my belief that the sixth man is what makes Lake Elementary so strong. How do I know this? I had people I have never met before approach me Saturday night to thank me for having such a great school. Well, of course I beamed and politely thanked them, but quickly explained that Lake was an excellent school before I got there, that it's truly the Lake Community - their support of the staff, the students, and the events - that makes Lake Elementary what it is.

So if you see me this coming week and I have a funny little grin on my face and a twinkle in my eye, it's because I'm still thinking of all the families I saw Saturday night, the old and the young and all in between, enjoying their time together; and to know that it was all because of a small, rural school in northern California that many years ago decided to have a spaghetti feed and carnival. Way to go, Sixth Man!

Week of November 2

The first week of November, temperatures are dropping, the holiday season is approaching, fall is definitely in the air. The last week of October was a great one at the school. Our sports teams finished first and second in volleyball and football respectively. Students participated in spirit week by dressing up every day. And the Halloween parade was yet another great one for the record books. Here is a look at the upcoming week.

Monday, November 2
7:00 - Lake 4-H meeting

Tuesday, November 3
8:00 am - IEP meeting
1:30 - 2nd and 3rd to Orland Library

Wednesday, November 4
11:30 - Summer Reading Lunch
3:00 - Teacher meeting
6:00 - PTO meeting - Round Table

Thursday, November 5
8:45 - Language Lab, 2nd grade

Friday, November 6
Mrs. Mason - CPM PD - all day sub
8:45 - Monthly assembly

Saturday, November 7
4:00 - 8:00 - Spaghetti Feed and Carnival

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

Week of September 28

Hard to believe we're looking at the first of October, which means Fall Break is fast approaching. I hope it's a safe and happy week off for everyone.

September 2015 was a very inspirational month for me. I participated in three days of professional learning that I was able to implement immediately. I'm taking advantage of all the free tools Google provides educators; and will also be looking at free "apps, extensions, and add-ons" for home use.

And through tragedy arose triumph. We saw neighborhoods and towns in northern California lose their fight with wildfires, yet our own Lake community placed their needs in front of others and donated a wide variety of items for those displaced by the fires.

Last but not least, PTO continues to emulate the meaning of volunteerism by adding more color to the blacktop. Thanks to all the parents who work behind the scenes to make it all come together. Your hard work and dedication to the school does not go unnoticed! Thanks for all you've done and cheers to all you still plan to do.

Monday, September 28
8:15 am - SELPA meeting - Orland
10:30 am - Sup meeting - Orland
3:00 pm - SST meeting

Tuesday, September 29
3:00 pm - IEP meeting

Wednesday, September 30
3:00 pm - Teacher meeting

Thursday, October 1
Minimum Day - dismissal at 12:50 p.m.
Parent Teacher Conferences for students in grades 4-8

Friday, October 2
Minimum Day - dismissal at 12:50 p.m.
8:45 am - Monthly assembly
Parent Teacher Conferences for students in grades 4-8

Week of September 21

As I sit down to write this week's "Week at a Glance", my brain is on information overload. I just spent the last two days attending a Google Summit for Educators, along with Mrs. Wright, Mrs. Taylor, Mrs. Mason, and Mr. Rutledge. (For more info on these summits, click on the link - not only will you get a description of these events, but a world map of locations in which these summits are held - they are WORLDWIDE events, and not for the weak!) And to top it off, we're going to - along with nearly every educator in Glenn County - Common 2 the Core tomorrow at Willows High School. And as tired as I am right now, there's so much to learn about this little thing called education that I truly can't wait to wake up tomorrow and attack another day of learning. Which brings me to a "change" in my life I'm going to make at this moment. No longer am I going to call what educators do "professional development", but professional learning. We were "developed" while attending teacher education courses, now that we're practicing educators, we are learning about everything education. And now that technology has added another dimension to our work, so must we add another dimension to our learning. So a quick shout-out to the high-quality educators I work with on a daily basis - I so appreciate your commitment to learning and the dedication you have to not only your students, but to your professional growth as well. Learn on!

Monday, September 21
No school for students - professional learning day for staff

Tuesday, September 22
No speech services today as Ms. Toney is off-campus attending a professional learning event
2:30 - SST
5:30 - Title I meeting - cafeteria

Wednesday, September 23
Minimum day - dismissal at 12:50
8:00 - IEP
11:00 - Workability on campus in Learning Center
1:00 - Teacher meeting regarding progress reports, followed by time to implement professional learning for Google Summit and/or C2tC

Thursday, September 24
7:45 - IEP

Friday, September 25
Somebody on staff is having a birthday...who could it be?
Lake Panthers vs. Capay Colts in flag football and volleyball at Capay

Saturday and Sunday
PTO will be on campus adding more color to the blacktop - if you have a few hours to spare either day, drop on by. Sign-up sheet is on the window going into the cafeteria.

Week of September 14

Last Friday is an example of how great it is to be a Lake Panther. Members of PTO and the Lake Staff came together to make Grandparents Day a huge success. Over 200 meals were served to our special guests, in addition to the 175 students who attend every day. We got lucky with the weather as cloud cover kept the predicted heat at bay for a few more hours than expected. Thanks to everyone who made this special day so great. Now let's look ahead to this week.


Monday, September 14
CELDT Testing begins - I'll be helping Sarah and Nora throughout the day
7th & 8th Graders to Lucero Oil in Corning for an Industry Tour

Tuesday, September 15
CELDT Testing continues
3:00 - School Board Meeting

Wednesday, September 16
CELDT Testing continues
Alison off-campus for CPM PD - Ms. Osburn is her sub
3:00 - Teacher Meeting

Thursday, September 17
1:00 - 4th & 5th Grade Assembly - location TBD
1:45 - 6th, 7th, 8th Grade Assembly - 7th grade classroom
3:00 - SST Meeting

Friday, September 18
12:45 - Lake vs. Plaza, games at Lake

Saturday & Sunday; and Monday, too
Many of us will be at Chico Country Day attending the Google Summit - exciting stuff as Google Summits are internationally known. Having a Google Summit in our backyard is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, at last count I think we have 9 staff members going. Lake Panthers rock! And don't forget, we'll follow this with an in-service on Monday at Willows High that will end a 3-day professional development for many of us. Click here for more info regarding the Google Summit and here for the GCOE C2tCore professional development in Willows.

Week of September 7

Labor Day weekend has come and gone and we're off to another exciting week at Lake Elementary. A heads up for those who eat lunch in the staff building...I will be meeting with a CSBA (California School Board Association) trainer Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday updating our board policies. You will need to eat lunch at another location those three days. (It should be a fairly relaxed atmosphere, so come in and copy as needed.) It's going to be a busy week for me with that going on, here's what else is on my calendar:


Tuesday, September 8
9:00 - Meet with Shannon and Rawe Tree Service regarding trees
12:30 - IEP meeting, Learning Center
1:30 - 2nd & 3rd grade to Orland Library
4:00 - Board Agenda Development meeting - office
7:00 - Lake 4-H meeting

Wednesday, September 9
All day - CSBA Training - Board Policies Update - Staff Building
Minimum Day - 12:50 dismissal

Teacher meeting to review/compare the following:
Note to teachers: You'll be meeting without me; decide where and when you want to meet, I'll have the materials ready for you. 

• 2014-15 iReady Diagnostic (Window 3 - final one of year)
• 2014-15 STAR Reading report
• Preview Progress Reports in School Wise

6:00 - PTO meeting at Round Table

Thursday, September 10

All day - CSBA Training - Board Policies Update - Staff Building

Friday, September 11

Patriot Day and Grandparents Day

8:40 - All-school Pledge of Allegiance, Moment of Silence for Patriot Day

9:00-ish - Christine taking a group of students to Walnut Avenue Ranch - walking

10:00 - Grandparents begin signing in

10:30 - Grandparent activities in classrooms

11:30 - Lunch

12:45 - Volleyball and Flag Football vs. Vina

Have a great week! Nikol

Week of August 31

Even the teachers are excited about the new play structure. The new
playground equipment will be open for business on Monday!

Seems like we just started school and here we are looking at the beginning of September. It was an exciting time last week as new playground equipment was installed. Students watched the installation team from behind the safety fence. It was fun watching the transformation take place. Monday, when students can access the new structures, will be an exciting day for everyone! Thanks to both board members and PTO for making this happen.




Monday, August 31
12:00 Staffing Meeting - Learning Center

Tuesday, September 1
9:00 - QCC Training - Office
3:15 - SSC Meeting - 7th grade classroom

Wednesday, September 2
Picture Day!
3:00 - Teacher Meeting - 7th grade classroom

Thursday, September 3
Happy Thursday

Friday, September 4
No bus service
8:45 - Assembly - blacktop
1:00 - Flag Football & Volleyball vs. Plaza at Lake

Week of August 24

Settling into the third week of school, second full week, and things are off to a great start. The activity I'm looking most forward to this week is the installation of new playground equipment. More swings and a playweb will be great additions to our existing structures. While not checking out the progress on the playground, this is what I'll be doing this week:




Monday, August 24
8:15 a.m. - SELPA meeting in Willows, followed by Superintendent meeting

Tuesday, August 25
Happy Birthday, Cheri!
3:00 p.m. - SST meeting

Wednesday, August 26
Minimum Day - dismissal at 12:50
Lunch provided to all staff compliments of Golden Apple Insurance
1:00 p.m. - DonorsChoose workshop - location TBD
2:00 p.m. - Classified Staff meeting - location TBD

Thursday, August 27
No meetings scheduled yet

Friday, August 28
Happy Friday!

Week of August 17

It’s that time of year for the blog to be back up and current. The purpose of this blog is to keep all Lake Elementary stakeholders up-to-date with happenings at the school as seen through my lens. I hope everyone got started off with a great week. Here’s what the second week of school looks like for me:

Monday, August 17

Quiet start to the week for me. Will be trying to stay ahead of state reports and surveys as well as learning names of kindergarten students. When not in the office, I cruise the campus to check out the amazing learning that is taking place.

3:10    Teacher Meeting

Tuesday, August 18

5:30    Board Meeting – the first 30 minutes of this board meeting will be spent training the board on Agenda Online, a new service from CSBA (California School Boards Association), that will allow us to automatize some of the preparation, distribution, and implementation of board meetings.  Items on the agenda will begin at 6:00 p.m.  School Board agendas are always posted on the window of the main office as well as online on the school’s website.

Wednesday, August 19

3:10    Teacher Meeting – every Wednesday we hold teacher meetings that cover various topics. This week’s meeting will most likely be a check-in to see how the first week is going, answer any technology questions/requests, etc.

Thursday, August 20

SST Meeting

Friday, August 21

See Monday. J

Week of June 8

The last three days of school may be the busiest days of the entire school year! I've learned from the last two years that I don't spend much time in my office this week, and it's best that I wear tennis shoes! If something comes up and you need me, contact Cheri as I'll check in with her as to my whereabouts.

Good luck to staff and students as this week is exciting for everyone - and we have a lot to celebrate as it has been a great year at Lake Elementary. Go Panthers!

A few things to remember: the parking lot will be closed to parking the rest of the week. Please park wisely and safely on Road N. Monday is the last day for SPARK.





Monday, June 8
Report Cards go home today
8:00 Off-campus picking up stage in Chico; hope to be to school by 9:00
Will be spending most of morning assembling stage
1:00 Board agenda preparation with Dr. Karle
1:00 2nd grade swim party

Tuesday, June 9
No SPARK
11:00 Kindergarten Promotion
3:00 IEP meeting in Learning Center
7:00 8th Grade Graduation

Wednesday, June 10
Minimum Day - Last Day of School - No afternoon bus route - No SPARK
8:45 Awards Assembly
9:20 Lip Sync Contest
9:50 Recess/Break to set up field games
10:00 Field Games
11:30 PTO BBQ
12:50 Dismissal

Thursday, June 11
Staff Meetings

Friday, June 12
Board, budget, LCAP prep

Week of June 1

Well, hello, June. I knew your were right around the corner, but I really didn't think it would feel like you got here in a blink of an eye! Only eight days of school left for 2014-15. What a great year it has been and no doubt the next 8 days will be the best ever. Here's what the last full week of school looks like for me.

Monday, June 1
Mrs. Kraemer on campus to sub for Mrs. Wright
8:00 - SST - Classroom
10:00 - HRA meeting with Lisa - Orland
10:30 - Mr. and Mrs. Russell on campus to visit with 3rd and 4th grade regarding Summer History Camp
3:00 SST - Learning Center
6:00 - Lake 4-H meeting

Tuesday, June 2
You may see Shannon or me walking around campus looking at trees with some nice gentlemen; we're getting a bid on trimming trees
8:45 - Student Council speeches on the blacktop - whole school assembly
12:30 - Mrs. Story off-campus, I'll be helping with pick up for kinders
1:30 - 2nd and 3rd to Orland Library

Wednesday, June 3
7th Grade Field Trip - San Francisco
8th Grade Field Trip - Six Flags
1st Grade "Sneak Peek" - Kinders and parents visiting 1st grade classroom as a precursor to next year; I think this is happening around 12:30; info to be sent home with kinders this week; looking forward to this new "tradition"
9:00 - 4th and 5th to Orland Library
3:00 - Teacher meeting - 4th grade classroom (notice the new location)

Thursday, June 4
Bowling party for perfect attendance and honor roll students; schedule forthcoming
Robbie subbing for Nate
3:00 - The girls have dentists appointments in Chico; not sure who is in charge of this one; I may be off-campus after 2:30

Friday, June 5
8:45 - Monthly assembly

Week of May 25

Picture my eyes bugging out as I'm typing as I can't believe it's the last week of May. I keep telling myself that there are still 60 seconds in every minute, 60 minutes in every hour, 24 hours in every day, but it STILL feels like this month is screaming by...going much faster than the allotted 24 hours in a day! I'm not complaining, mind you, just wondering how it can be the end of May with only 12 days of school left. My guess is that June will feel just as fast, so hang on until the end, it's going to be a fun and wild ride!




Tuesday, May 26
CAASPP Testing for 7th and 8th grade - ELA
8:30 - 12:30 - CELDT Training - Oroville - Sarah and Me
1:00 - IEP - Staff Building
2:00 - IEP - Staff Building
3:00 - IEP - Learning Center

Wednesday, May 27
CAASPP Testing for 7th and 8th grade - ELA
Minimum Day - 12:50 dismissal
8:15 - SELPA Meeting - Orland
10:30 - Sup's Meeting - Orland
1:00 - K-5 Everyday Math Training - 4th grade classroom
1:10 - All Staff Meeting (everyone else not at Everyday) - 7th grade classroom

Thursday, May 28
5th Grade gone to Shasta Caverns
CAASPP Testing for 7th and 8th grade - ELA
8:00 - SST

Friday, May 29
5th Grade gone to Shasta Caverns
6th Grade gone to Mt. Lassen

Week of May 18

This is way too late to be doing this blog, but I'm sure I'm like many parents who are coming home after several days at the Glenn County Fair and trying to figure out where all the stuff goes that didn't get put away while at the fairgrounds. :) And trying to get kids back into a routine, specifically into bed at a decent time! It was a crazy week and I'd like to say things will be getting back to normal, but as I look at my calendar and see only three and a half weeks left of school, I know there is nothing "normal" for this time of year. What does "normal" look like for me this week?






Monday, May 18
8:00 Dropping off the girls at school then taking mom to the airport; should be back by 11:30

Tuesday, May 19
1st & 2nd Grades to Turtle Bay in Redding
CAASPP Testing ELA - 7th & 8th Grade
3:00 - Board Meeting - 7th grade classroom

Wednesday, May 20
CAASPP Testing - 7th & 8th Grade
Nora gone attending ELD Workshop in Oroville
12:40 - Maddee's Kinder Assessment
1:00 - CAASPP Post-Test Webinar
3:00 - Teacher Meeting

Thursday, May 21
CAASPP Testing - 7th & 8th Grade
5:30 - Little League Softball - east field

Friday, May 22
Capay Track Meet - Grades 5-8
Small Group Workability Field Trip - Durham

Week of May 11

The Glenn County Fair week has arrived! Many of our Lake students will be participating in various ways. As a 4-H member myself in the great state of Wyoming, I know from first-hand experience the time and dedication that goes into a 4-H project. While this is a hectic week for all, I want to remind the staff that our 4-Hers will be learning as much outside the classroom as they do inside the classroom. Let's wish them all luck and to keep Panther Pride alive and well at the Glenn County Fairgrounds.

I will be doing my best to keep my head above water as both girls will be showing rabbits on Thursday. Luckily, my mom is flying in from Wyoming on Monday to help out during fair week. I hope you all get out to the fair to take a look at all the great stuff our kids do. Remember that many of them may have entered their 4th grade mission projects in the fair, and Ms. Ellen entered a work of art from EVERY student at our school. Way to go, Ms. Ellen! Now onto this week through the lens of a crazy 4-H mom and Lake school administrator. :)

Help remind students who ride the bus that there will be no bus service Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of this week.

Monday, May 11
Welcome back, Mrs. Schager, we've missed you!
1:00 - Draft board agenda meeting - my office
2:00 - Kinder roundup meeting with Ms. Story - my office

Tuesday, May 12
8:30 - Mrs. Taylor will be facilitating the CAA test in the faculty building
9:00 - GCOE Track and Field - various 5-8 grade students will be off-campus competing

Wednesday, May 13
Minimum Day - dismissal at 12:50
Mrs. Taylor in faculty building, if needed, for CAA test
2:30 - Teacher meeting - 7th grade classroom
5:00 - SPARK dinner - Hamilton Elementary

Thursday, May 14
Rabbit show at the fair - I will be off and on campus throughout the day

Friday, May 15
Flag at half-staff to honor Peace Officers
Mrs. M's birthday - wahoo!

Have a great week.

Week of May 4

I was a little afraid of May getting here...as I looked at it in April, it just kept getting busier and busier. And now it's here, I think I may need to put on some racing goggles just to keep the bugs out of my eyes! A lot going on this week between Spirit Week and Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week.

Keep in mind that Mrs. Schager will be gone all week. Mrs. Kraemer is subbing, let's be sure to give Mrs. Kraemer all the love and support she can handle. :)





Monday, May 4

• Spirit Week - Mustache Monday
• 9-11 - I'll be off-campus
• Workability on campus for 8th graders regarding transition to high school
• 1:00 - CAASPP webinar - Online Reporting System
• 6:00 - Sheep and Goat 4-H meeting, followed by club meeting at 7:00

Tuesday, May 5

• Spirit Week - Hawaiian Day
• CAASPP Testing - Math - 5th and 6th grades
• 3rd and 4th grade field trip to Bidwell Mansion
• Somebody's birthday...I wonder who?

Wednesday, May 6

• Spirit Week - Gender Bender Day (please take pics!)
• I'm off-campus the next two days as I travel to Sacramento to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to continue my work on the Induction Task Force Committee, please feel free to call or text if need be
• CAASPP Testing - Math - 5th and 6th grades
• Nora off-campus attending ELD Workshop in Oroville
• 9:00 - 4th and 5th graders to Orland library
• 3:00 - Teacher meeting cancelled

Thursday, May 7

• Spirit Week - Crazy Socks Day
• Softball Tournament at Plaza - 7th and 8th grade off-campus
• CAASPP Testing - Math - 5th and 6th grades
• 5:30 - Little League Softball practice - east field

Friday, May 8

• Spirit Week - Panther Friday
• 8th grade off-campus to Sacramento

Week of April 27

And just like that, April comes to a close and we welcome in the month of May. I've never done an official poll, but I think it's safe to say May is one of the busiest months of the school year. Over the course of the next few weeks we'll be busy going on field trips, wrapping up state testing, attending a spring dance, eating PTO carnitas, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Here's what's coming up this week:







Monday, April 27
Mr. Payne on campus subbing for Mrs. Wright while she attends an ELD training
9:30 - Workability on campus with PG&E guest speaker (in cafeteria)
10:00 - SPARK meeting (office)

Tuesday, April 28
CAASPP testing - math for 3rd and 4th, ELA for 5th and 6th
1:30 - 2nd and 3rd grade to Orland library
3:00 - IEP meeting - Learning Center

Wednesday, April 29
Minimum day - 12:50 dismissal
CAASPP testing - 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th
8:15 - SELPA meeting - Willows
10:30 - Sup's meeting - Willows
2:30 - Teacher meeting (or Everyday Math meeting)
3:45 - Summer SPARK meeting (office)

Thursday, April 30
CAASPP testing - 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th
10:00 - Webinar - Toolkit for Foster Youth Success
1:00 - Kinder volunteer
5:30 - Softball practice - east field
6:30 - 4-H Rabbit meeting

Friday, May 1
8:45 - All-school assembly
9:30 - 1st and 2nd grade field trip - Schager Dairy
12:45 - Softball at Plaza

Week of April 20

Last week's Math and Science Night may well have been my most favorite event to date at Lake. I'm not sure how other principals communicate with their staff regarding events like this, but I have to be bluntly honest, the only thing I tell the teachers to do is make sure they are there from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. :) While I trust each and every one of them and know they'll make the school proud, it's events like this that solidify the notion that this truly is a special staff. I happen to be fortunate enough to have a kindergartener at Lake right now. On the way home from the night I asked her what her favorite classroom activity was, thinking I might get an idea of what was "cool" from her perspective. Without hesitation, she said, "All of them!" And if you ask most of the kids in attendance - and the parents for that matter - I'm guessing they would agree. Students and parents scurried from one classroom to another, in great anticipation of what awesome science or math activity awaited them. Thanks to the Lake Community for this well-attended event, as well as to all the staff that made this night a great success!

And without further ado, here's what this coming week looks like.

Monday, April 20
8:30 - 11:30 - Nora off-campus attending ELD Para Workshop in Oroville
9:00 - I'm off-campus until mid-morning
3:00 - TOMS update - meeting with Christine - my office
3:30 - Yearbook all-call with Alison

Tuesday, April 21
CAASPP Testing - 3rd and 4th grade
Yearbook orders and money due today
3:00 - School Board Meeting, 7th grade classroom

Wednesday, April 22
CAASPP Testing - 3rd and 4th grade
8:30 - 11:30 - LCAP Meeting - GCOE, Orland (I'll be off-campus)
3:00 - Teacher meeting, 7th grade classroom

Thursday, April 23
Happy Birthday, Mrs. J!
CAASPP Testing - 3rd and 4th grade
8:00 - 504 meeting
1:00 - Kinder volunteer
5:30 - Little League softball practice, east field

Friday, April 24
12:45 - Softball vs. Capay at Lake

Last full week of April - CAN YOU BELIEVE IT??

Week of April 13

Our last long break of 2014-15. The next time we'll have a day off is for Memorial Day and then a few weeks we'll bring this school year to a close. And while I think it's been a great year to date, there's a lot of wonderful stuff left to do! We've got Math and Science Night this week, CAASPP testing over the next several weeks; many of our students are involved in 4-H, which reminds me fair is just one month away! But before we get caught up in the things yet to come, let's take a look at this week.

Monday, April 13
I will be off campus most of the day speaking at CSU regarding the education profession.

Tuesday, April 14
8:00 - Meeting at Learning Center
2:30 - Meeting with Mrs. Taylor
4:00 - IEP meeting

Wednesday, April 15
Tax returns due. We're celebrating with a minimum day! :)
No teacher meeting as we prepare for Math and Science Night
6:30 p.m. - Math and Science Night, PTO selling pizza and drinks

Thursday, April 16
8:30 or so - Graduation Pictures in cafeteria - Grades K and 8
8:30 - Christine will be using the staff building for the CAA practice test (formerly known as CAPA); if there is a "Shhh..testing" sign on the door, please plan to do copies in the main building as well as have lunch elsewhere. We're not sure how long the practice test will take.

1:00 - Kinder volunteer
5:30 - Little League Softball using east field for practice

Friday, April 17
3rd and 4th Grade will be taking CAASPP practice tests during the day
Christine will still be utilizing the staff building for CAA practice test - watch for sign on door
12:30 - Softball games vs. Vina at Lake; amended lunch schedule - I'll send an email with the times
4:00 - CUE Meeting via Google Hangout

I'll close this weekly update with a quote by famed Chinese philosopher, Confucius, and our word of the month, diligence: " The expectations of life depend upon diligence; the mechanic that would perfect his work must first sharpen his tools." And I'll add we're sharpening the tools of knowledge every day at Lake Elementary. Have a great week.

Week of March 30

For those who follow or faithfully read this blog, you noticed I missed last week. Keeping my excuses to a minimum, I think it's indicative of this time of year. Springtime seems to be a busy time for schools, and my office is no exception. And while we are just a few weeks into the final trimester of the year, conversations are already taking place for end-of-school activities. That's a scary thought as we all know there is still so much left to do!


Because I didn't get a chance to blog about last week, be sure to check out our Facebook page...a lot of fun and exciting things have been posted there.

For parents who read this blog, I wanted to let you know some things we've been working on that are coming your way.

• At the March 17 School Board Meeting, the Board approved Version 2 for the 2015-16 School Calendar. It is posted on the school's website and can be accessed by clicking here. Thank you for those who submitted preferences. 
• Lake Elementary is in the process of adopting two math curricula for 2015-16. Grades K-5 are looking at Everyday Math; grades 6-8 are considering CPM (College Preparatory Math). Each teacher has a sample of the curriculum in their classrooms for those of you who want to look at the materials. Links have also been provided for you to click on to find out more information. The curriculum will be on display during Math and Science Night on Wednesday, April 15. 
• I've received questions regarding SPARK for next year. A letter will be going home to all parents in late April regarding both Summer SPARK and SPARK for 2015-16. (Summer SPARK is tentatively planned for July 13 - 31.)  Stay tuned for more information regarding both programs. 
• I'm also working with Plaza and Capay to begin the process of advertising for a music position. If you know of someone who qualifies (a credentialed music teacher), please encourage them to apply. I'll update the school's website with application information as soon as it's ready. 
• We'll soon be starting CAASPP testing (California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress). Specific information will be coming home the week of April 13. In the meantime, check out this link for more information. 

And now onto this week:

Monday, March 30
I will be off campus all day as I have been summoned for jury service in Butte County.
All day - Kindergarten Registration
9:30 - 10:30 - Workability Guest Speaker - Military
3:15 - School Site Council Meeting

Tuesday, March 31
7:45 - IEP - Learning Center
9:00 - IEP - Plaza
10:15 - Providence HS - 8th Grade
11:00 - Smarter Balanced Webinar
1:30 - Grades 2 and 3 to Orland Library
3:30 - IEP - Learning Center

Wednesday, April 1
9:00 - Grades 4 and 5 to Orland Library
3:00 - All Staff Meeting (for those who can attend) - SMART Presentation - 7th grade classroom

Thursday, April 2
12:45 - Softball vs. Plaza at Plaza
1:00 - Kinder volunteer
3:15 - Edivate Overview (Dennis) - Alison, Chelsea

Friday, April 3
Minimum Day - 12:50 dismissal
8:45 - April Assembly
Easter Egg Hunt to follow the assembly
5:30 - Little League Softball practice

Week of April 6-10
Easter Break - have a safe and happy vacation

Week of March 16

Spring is in the air. Softball season has begun...off to a great start as both teams won their opening games against Plaza last Friday. Last week's Book Fair was another great PTO-sponsored event with both students and classroom teachers getting books. Another great week ahead of us as we continue to "march" forward through this incredibly fast-paced school year. Meetings and state reports have kept me busy, state testing is right around the corner next month, and then before you know it, it will be fair, Memorial Day, and the last day of school. Holy cow! For parents reading this, be on the lookout for news regarding next year's math curriculum adoption. There will be opportunities for parents to review the material, ask questions, and provide feedback. In the meantime, here's what my week of March 16 looks like:

Monday, March 16
10:00 - 12:00 CTC Induction Task Force Conference Call

Tuesday, March 17
Happy St. Patrick's Day
3:00 - School Board Meeting - 7th grade classroom

Wednesday, March 18
9-12 SELPA Boot Camp - Willows - Cheri and I will be off-campus all day
3:00 - Teacher Meeting with Dan from Odysseyware - meet in 7th grade classroom
6:00 - PTO at Round Table Pizza

Thursday, March 19
Cheri gone all day attending CASBO Workshop
1:00 - 1:30 Kinder volunteer
3:00 - 4:00 Yearbook meeting - 6th grade classroom

Friday, March 20
Softball at Vina

Week of March 9

This is the week of the Book Fair. Book Fair will be open for purchases starting on Tuesday, March 10. Students can purchase items during the 10 and 10:15 recesses, lunch recess, or after school on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.



Monday, March 9
Report Cards go home today
Workability will be on campus for grades 5-8 to discuss careers in Health
Nora off-campus attending Day 2 of ELD Para Workshop in Oroville
Book Fair preview for students

Tuesday, March 10
Science Fair deadline
Book Fair open during recess, lunch, and after school all week starting today.

7:45 IEP meeting in Learning Center
8:30 - 11:00 Co-op Meeting at GCOE in Orland - I'll be off-campus for this meeting
1:00 - Webinar: Exploring a New Vision of Excellence in Assessment
2:00 - CTC Induction Task Force Conference Call
4:00 - Meeting with board president to draft board meeting agenda
5:00 - IEP meeting in Learning Center

Wednesday, March 11

Minimum Day - Work day for staff

8:45 - Orland High School counselor on campus to talk with 8th grade class

Family Reading Night 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. Reading in Kindergarten and 2nd grade classrooms will begin at 3:30 p.m. Book Fair will be open during this time for families to purchase books.

Thursday, March 12
1:30 - Kinder volunteer
3:00 - CAASPP accommodation meeting with Christine - my office
3:00 - Yearbook meeting - 6th grade classroom

Friday, March 13
Softball season starts with the first game against Plaza at Lake

Week of March 2

As we turn a page in the calendar and move into March, we will soon bring another mild winter to a close. And similar to new beginnings that spring brings every year, there are some new things on hand at Lake Elementary. Some of you may have noticed that the traffic radar speed limit signs have been positioned along Road 9. We are waiting for some batteries to be installed. Once installed, we'll program the radar signs to work before and after school; should be up and running this week. 

We also just received the new drinking fountain that will replace the one outside the 2nd grade classroom. This new drinking fountain is a bi-level fountain that will allow our youngest, and smallest, students easy access to water. Lots of things happening this month. Here's what the first week of March looks like for me:

Monday, March 2

Sub on campus for K and 1st Grade as they work to complete assessments before the end of Trimester 2. 

8:00 - SST meeting

7:00 - Lake 4-H meeting

Tuesday, March 3

Sub on campus for K and 1st.

Gianna and I will be leaving around 8:30 for a LEC meeting in Redding. 

12:30 - Duck Stamp Education Program (3rd and 5th grades)

1:30 - 2nd and 3rd grades to Orland Library

Wednesday, March 4

9:00 - 4th and 5th grades to Orland Library

10:15 - Orland FFA meeting with 8th grade

1:00 - ETS Webcast - my office

3:00 - Teacher meeting

Thursday, March 5

8:30 - 11:30: GCOE meeting - Orland office

1:30 - Kinder volunteer

3:00 - Yearbook meeting

SST meeting

Friday, March 6

End of Trimester 2

8:45 - School Assembly

Week of February 23

I'm sure those who follow this blog get tired of hearing me say this, but where is the time going? Here we are, heading into the last week of February. We just came off of Winter Break, although I must admit it felt more like Spring Break to me!

Make it the best week of February 2015 ever, keeping focused on the word of the month: INTEGRITY

Here's what the last week of February looks like through my lens:





Monday, February 23

• Happy Birthday, Mrs. Wright!
• Nora will be off-campus attending a training in Oroville
• Bonnie Willis will be subbing for Nate

8:30 - 7th grade classroom
3:00 - SST meeting
4:30 - Parent meeting

Tuesday, February 24
8:00 - IEP meeting
9:00 - GAFE meeting with GCOE - Orland
12:00 - Learning Center staffing meeting
5:30 - School Board meeting

Wednesday, February 25

• Minimum Day

8:15 - SELPA meeting - Willows
10:30 - Sup's meeting - Willows
1:00 - Teacher meeting

Thursday, February 26

• Sub for Sharon and Lisa - on-campus assessments

8:00 - Bus inspection
9:30 - CICC meeting - Willows
1:30 - Kinder volunteer
3:00 - Yearbook meeting - 6th grade

Friday, February 27

• Sub for Sharon and Lisa - on-campus assessments

9:30 - Odyseyware meeting - web conference
11:00 - Makenna - dentist appointment in Chico (shhh...I haven't told her yet. :)

Week of February 9

I can't believe it took me this long to figure out why the days and weeks go by so fast at Lake School....because we're having so much fun with learning that we don't even realize it, and before we know it a day has passed, a week has passed, or a month has passed! And another great week we have in store for us. Not only is it Spirit Week at Lake School, but also the week of Valentine's as well as the week before Winter Break. Lots of energy on campus this week!

And while staff and students energize the campus, for three days I will be getting energized myself by attending the annual CISC Symposium. This annual leadership symposium brings together over 1,000 educational leaders throughout California for three days of networking and learning about the latest shifts in education and models of innovative action. I warn the staff before I go to this conference because I come back with a ton of ideas I want to implement at Lake, on top of all the great things that are already happening, so they need to rein me in! For specific information regarding this year's symposium, click here.

Although I'll be off campus for three days this week attending the conference, it's another great week to be a Lake Panther!

Monday, February 9
Spirit Week - Sports Day
Note to teachers: Science Fair deadline is March 10, only one month away. Now is the time to start talking to your students about possible projects.

Leaving around 2:30 to visit a charter school in Red Bluff that has closed its doors...may be a chance to purchase some science materials at a discounted price.

Tuesday, February 10
Spirit Week - Backwards Day
9:00 - 4th and 5th grade to Orland Library
3:00 - Learning Center

Wednesday, February 11
Spirit Week - Patriot's Day
Minimum Day
I will be off-campus Wed - Fri.
It doesn't happen very often, but use the afternoon to collaborate, communicate, and celebrate me being gone! :)

Thursday, February 12
Spirit Week - Nerd Day
Boys and girls basketball teams play in the morning
3:00 - Yearbook meeting in 6th grade classroom

Friday, February 13
Spirit Week - Panther Blue Day
Boys and girls basketball, playing mid-morning and early afternoon
Valentine classroom parties throughout the day

Week of February 2

I'm not sure things could get much busier. Just when I think things are beginning to slow down, something else comes up. Two and a half years into this job and every year is different...one of the many reasons I love this job so much.

The week following the NED Show was a busy one. A big thank you to Student Council members for helping with their yo-yo skills of cutting string to the appropriate height and selling yo-yo's with the skill of true business women! Additionally, it was a joy to watch students gain yo-yo skills throughout the week. I saw a lot of "sleeping" and "dog walking" last week.

As we leave January 2015 behind, here's what the first week of February 2015 looks like for me.

Special Note to all teachers: When possible, I'm going to hold CAASPP meetings every day I can for teachers in grades 3-8. There is a lot to learn for both the interim assessments as well as the summative assessments that will be here before we know it. I'd prefer to meet in short "chunks" of time over the course of the next few weeks...please note the dates in which we will have CAASPP meetings.

Monday, February 2
Workability will be on campus for grades 5-8 to take a look at engineering careers.
3:00 - Learning Center Meeting
4:00 - After School B-Ball Game - Girls - Los Molinos
6:00 - English Language Parent Meeting - 7th grade classroom - dinner provided
7:00 - Lake 4-H Meeting

Tuesday, February 3
Happy Birthday, Mrs. Mason!
7:45 - Learning Center Meeting
1:30 - 2nd and 3rd grade to Orland Library
3:00 - CAASPP meeting for grades 3-8

Wednesday, February 4
9:00 - 4th and 5th grade to Orland Library
3:00 - Teacher Meeting (all teachers to start, may end with a CAASPP meeting)

Thursday, February 5
Writer's Showcase deadline for those participating
1:30 - Kinder volunteer
3:00 - CAASPP meeting for grades 3-8

Friday, February 6
8:45 - Assembly
12:30 - Basketball teams leave for Vina

Have a great first week of February 2015!