One Week and a Day... awesome!

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 19:31:43 +0100

What a start to the year it has been. Every teacher has been on their A+ game every time I walk into their classroom. Even when it was SO hot, your dedication and passion did not waiver. It has been fabulous being able to see all of your plans from summer PD and the first days back to school go into action.

We have a mix of new and "old" Hoyt teachers on our team. I am so encouraged by everyone's willingness to volunteer and step up to help out. It is clear that the seventh grade team has one common goal: "What is best for our students."

When doing observations, I often think to myself would I want my own child to be in this class. I can say without a doubt, I would not have any reservations with any classroom in the seventh grade. You are that phenomenal. Every day when you are planning - keep that thought in mind. Say to yourself, "Would I want to be in this class today? Would I want my own child to be in this class?"

I have done many walk-throughs and a few observations and I want to just highlight some really positive things our seventh grade teachers are doing:

Megan Vanderflute - From day one Megan has given every student has had a fresh start in her room. She makes every student feel welcome and loved. A strength of Megan's is that she does not let her students get off track. She makes sure class is highly engaging and that EVERYONE is paying attention!!

Nate Evans - Nate has a unique situation because he had most of these students last year because he taught 6th grade last year. Nate has been doing a great job of establishing new expectations and relationships with his students... not an easy feat! Plus, his room looks super cool. I would like to be a student in his class just because it is very middle school-esque.

Cathie Carlson - Cathie has such a passion for these kids. She is so positive and very hard working. I often see Cathie making extra copies of things just in order to help others. Today, I walked in Cathie's room and she had students working in pairs while she pulled up a small group for instruction. Differentiation! Ps. On the first day of school I almost fell over because Cathie had the whole class singing the rules (even the naughty students!).

Chris Giblin - From day one Giblin was had hands on activities for her students. The first day of school she did an activity to teach students how to do the strategy Think-Pair-Share. When I stopped in today she had the students playing a game in groups. Our students LOVE science. Great work!

Beverly Eck - Bev has moved from being a BD teacher of approximately 5 students a block (probably hardest job ever) to a regular education teacher of approximately 25 students a block (probably the hardest job ever... so they are both very hard :) She has transitioned with ease. She has done a great job of beginning to build relationships with our 7th graders. She is also a very willing member of our 7th grade team. Fantastic.

Sara Earleywine - Sara has "caught on" so quickly with the new math curriculum. I love how well her and Cathie work together. Sara has a very unique style where she is stern, but cool. The kids seem to really enjoy her class and are always working hard. Building a relationship with the kids will take you a LONG way!!

Kristi Brown - Kristi is so funny with the kids in her class. The kids are always laughing AT her, but she uses humor to really rope the kids into wanting to learn. Kristi and Lori bounce off each other so well. The transitions in the classroom are seamless. I love the smiles on the kids faces :)

Lori Bonnstetter - Lori has fantastic energy for our kiddos. The Reading Plus is fun and entertaining, but the students are still learning. Lori works so hard to make learning relevant to our students. I would want to go to Reading Plus every day. Lori has done a great job with her space and the set-up of her classroom.

Joy Thomas - "Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape." Joy really is the model for us when it comes to being flexible. Joy has moved into 4 classrooms in her one year at Hoyt!! Joy also has had a complete curriculum change this year. Joy never complains. Joy smiles and is always willing to make a change. I am envious of this virtue that Joy has. We all could learn from Joy! Wow.

Jenn Blanchard - Jenn Blanchard is not only starting the year off with all her kids, but she is one of the very few returning SPED teachers. Jenn has willingly become a teacher of teachers. She is always helping teachers get things set up as well as sharing strategies and IEP rules. Thanks Jenn for being a leader!

Amanda Kunkel - Amanda is new to Hoyt and is so eager to help and learn. I appreciate that Amanda asks questions. Being at a new school can be scary, but she was really excited about the start of the year. At the start of the school year I ran into lots of teachers in the hall and everyone let out huge sighs and seemed very frustrated (normal). Amanda though ALWAYS had a smile on her face. Thanks for the great attitude!

Kathy Erickson - Kathy does such a great job starting off the year with our PE girls. She sets high expectations and the students really look forward to going to PE. I appreciate her organization and her fantastic classroom management. Plus week one she has had morning supervision! Thanks for being consistent Kathy!

Gary Bowman - Gary had morning supervision this week and Gary came every day and was there EARLY (before 7:15am)! This was a great start for our team and students for the common areas. I also often ask kids what their favorite class so far and most of our young men say PE.

The first post on the new page

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 02:00:03 +0100

You will notice that we have a new website for all our staff news and ideas! The Blog of Excellence can now be found right here! It is specific to each grade level and content area. Enjoy!

http://ataggart.podbean.com/mf/web/mzmxcd/ToddandAnna2.m4a