December+10,+2013

= iPad/iPhone Link to page: bit.ly/nccs1212 = = = = = = Gratitude Activity =

//** The Rationale **//

//In a study conducted by Drs. Martin Seligman, Tracy Steen and Christopher Peterson, a group of people was asked to practice this gratitude exercise every day for one week. Even though the exercise lasted just one week, at the one-month follow-up, participants were happier and less depressed than they had been at baseline, and they stayed happier and less depressed at the three- and six-month follow-ups.//

//This practice primes our mind for gratitude, and helps overcome the brain's natural "negativity bias", a phenomenon by which we are wired to give more weight to negative rather than positive experiences or other kinds of information.//

//Grateful people are happier, less depressed, less stressed, and more satisfied with their relationships and their overall lives. Grateful people have a higher sense of purpose in life, better coping skills, stronger circles of support, and less trouble sleeping.//


 * [[image:Benefits_of_Gratitude.png width="800" height="625"]] || == The Exercise ==
 * ===Think of three things at home or involving your family that make you feel thankful. Use the index card provided to jot down two or three things in your personal life that make you feel thankful.===


 * ===Next, turn the card over, and jot down one or two things from your professional life that make you feel grateful.===


 * ===Finally, turn to your shoulder partner and share one of the things on your index card.=== ||

= CWT Updates =
 * Complete a minimum of five walkthroughs per week with an instructional partner or with instructional rounds.
 * Make sure both persons do not hit "submit" or it distorts the data. (Choose one person to submit.)


 * Reviewing the data to date. **

Discussion: Recent Changes and Proposed Changes to CWT

 * ===When selecting a person to whom to send the CWT, you now have check boxes so that you can choose multiple options.===
 * ===Do we add coaches to that list?===
 * ===Should we modify the Engagement session to reflect the options below?===
 * ===Other opportunities for review?===

= = = CWT Focus =

**// If our focus is on learning, does it seem more understandable to focus on these three areas while observing in the classroom? //**

 * ** The Engaged Classroom ** —most students are authentically engaged most of the time, and all students are authentically engaged some of the time. There is limited passive compliance and retreatism, and rebellion is rare or non-existent. ||  || ** The Compliant Classroom ** —the dominant modes of response are ritual engagement and passive compliance. There is little or no rebellion, but perhaps some retreatism. Since the classroom is orderly, and most students are completing assignments willingly, it is easy to assume that effective learning is taking place. Compliance, however, must not be confused with authentic engagement. ||   || ** The Off-Task Classroom ** —an increase in retreatism and the presence of patterns of rebellion distinguish this scenario from the compliant classroom. Some degree of authentic and ritual engagement will be present, along with passive compliance. Teachers in this classroom may find themselves “working on students” to reduce rebellion rather than “working on the work” that will lead to authentic engagement. ||

==

== =**[|Link to CWT]**=

====**//Directions: Each team will visit ////__two __////classrooms for ////__5-7 minutes __////each. Individually, complete the classroom walkthrough, but ////do NOT hit submit ////. After 5-7 minutes, the team will convene outside the classroom to discuss responses and calibrate the walkthrough. After discussing with your group, then hit submit. //**====

· What types of activities were the students involved in that proved that the students were using technology to enhance their learning?
==== · What activities did you notice in the classroom that helped you to decide what form of engagement the students were involved in during the observation? ==== ==== · What activities did you notice this morning that demonstrate the 4 C’s in action (Communication, Creativity, Critical Thinking, and Collaboration)? ====

· Describe a "WOW" moment or an "A-ha" moment that you observed during the observations.
= Walkthrough Teams =
 * ===Jennifer Salter - English I, Room 214 ............................ ===

Chris Hinson - World History, Room 220
|| ===David Stegall===

Julia Styers
. ||
 * ===Miguel Silva - Honors Spanish III, Room 115===

Casey Bumgarner - U.S. History, Room 221
|| ===Cindy Geddes===

Aron Gabriel
. ||
 * ===Elizabeth Gargis - English IV, Room 210===

John Echerd - World History, Room 222
|| ===Heather Mullins===

Betsy Rosenbalm
. ||
 * ===Sarah Gladden - Honors Algebra II, Room 121===

Jennifer Ingle - French I, Room 113
|| ===Tammy Brown===

Sylvia White
. ||
 * ===Greg Hardy - Civics & Economics, Room 219===

Jenni Killian - Health Science I, Room 211
|| ===Bill Long===

Patrick Nelson
. ||

CWT Data to Date
= Data Conversations =

Access a digital copy of **Data Driven Dialogue Protocol**.
 * media type="custom" key="24649304" || media type="custom" key="24649302" ||

Conover**: Phyllis Pegram and Betsy Rosenbalm
= Overview of Science Alignment Plan =

//Review this skeletal plan for the spring for 5th, 8th, and Biology teachers. Please feel free to make comments as you read. The goal is to develop a comprehensive plan for digging into the standards and ensuring we have quality alignment among the standards, instruction, questions and targets, and pacing.//

Draft plan
February 13, 20, 27, and March 13 - All 5th grade and 8th grade Science teachers will be involved in this process, as well as Biology teachers.

= SIP Updates =
 * **Create/revise SMART goals based on state achievement data and EVAAS data.**
 * **Meet face to face with your director to discuss these goals during the week of Jan. 6-10.**
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 1.5;">**During the week of February 17-21, we will need to meet face to face to complete the mid year evaluation.**
 * ** Make sure SIP plans (not safety components) are on your webpage. (Discuss placement.) **
 * ** Review policy regarding processes, procedures and components required by law. **

**December 18 - District-Wide Professional Development**


 * [[image:survey.jpg]] || ===Race to the Top Local Professional Development Survey - View the memo from Jeni Corn here.===

Local Survey?

 * Jill Hager - North Newton


 * Scarlet Davis - South Newton


 * Amber Humpfrey - Shuford


 * ? - NCMS


 * ? - NCHS


 * ? - Discovery

= NCSSM Opportunities =
 * ? - ACT ||

> > <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Facilitator provided by the site/school > > > > ||
 * media type="custom" key="24695170" || * NCSSM: Distance Education and Extended Programs
 * 2014-2015 Distance Education Catalog
 * Distance Education Toolkit for School Leaders
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">NCSSM - Interactive Video Conferencing - 8 am - 9:30 (Tuition Free) Some lab courses $25 for lab materials
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">NCSSM YouTube Channel: <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[]

Updates

 * Credit by Demonstrated Mastery now on hold until next spring.
 * Starting in the spring: Amanda McRary and Jessica Luby - 1/2 day every other week for instructional AP meeting. (Kevin and Kim, let's discuss options that work best for you both.)
 * December 18 - District Staff Development
 * Read to Achieve portfolio passages are here! Cindy is copying the passages to give to the schools. ** January 6, 2014 ** - first date to begin administering the passages.
 * January 9 - Student Advisory Meeting
 * January 17 - Spelling Bee at NCMS - Jan. 27th Make-up -10:00 am
 * January 28 - Elementary Coaches and Principals will have Letterland Training from 9-12 at NCMS.
 * February 12 - Science PD
 * February 13 - Elementary Bullying Workshop at North Newton at 6:00 - 7:30.
 * February 20 - Science PD
 * February 24 - Middle-High School Bullying Workshop at NCHS at 6:00 - 7:30.
 * February 27 - Science PD
 * March 12 - Battle of Books Competition -9:00 am at North Newton
 * March 13 - Science PD
 * March 21 - Little Read Presentation - NCMS
 * April 3 - Little Read Author at PE Monroe 9-10
 * April 10 - IFFC Opportunity for Elementary and Middle School Students
 * **November Compass** is out... if you have highlights from faculty or school that you want to spotlight, please let us know.