Back to Blogging...

Hello!

As you can see, I have been a little negligent in posting on the blog..and was really wishing someone would ask me what happened to the BLOG??? I do realize we all get pulled in so many directions, the thought of checking one more form of communication isn't what we may feel like doing! However, I also know if you are like me, communication tends to be my most frustrating aspect of my work and knowing there is this wonderful technology tool out there to help with communication is a gift....so I vow to try to communicate more via the blog and I hope you could join me in checking in once and awhile as well.

Three important items to share today:

1.) Our Parent Advisory group is working on ways to improve some of our communication with parents and other teachers. We would like some samples of what our teachers are using to communicate daily or weekly information about our students with parents and teachers. They would like you to send any samples of communication you have found helpful to Ann Loftus at Linn Grove. Please feel free to send electronically to Ann as well...Ann, Kristin Hatfield from Bowman Woods, and Kelly Von Lehmden (parent from Westfield) are co-chairing this wonderful advisory group. We have had exciting meetings this Fall which have been noted in previous blogs. THANKS FOR HELPING US OUT ON MAKING COMMUNICATION BETTER FOR ALL!

2.)Although it may feel rather cool outside Carol O'Donnell is right in the middle of the beginning stages of summer school planning. As you know, for Carol to have a good handle on the numbers of staff needed for the summer programming she needs to have a handle on the students attending. Please note Carol's email message on the time lines for extended year services and meetings that need to be held.

3.) February 21st will be here before we know it....that is our next scheduled Professional Development Day. It will be a great day here in the district with a Wellness Fair planned for all staff along with other 'healthy meetings'. For the purposes of Student Services teachers, there will be no formal meetings scheduled that day. I would ask that the current teachers that serve 5th grade students and the teachers that will serve 6th grade students please meet together to facilitate any transition questions of services and/or programming for the upcoming 6th graders. The AEA staff can help support your meetings as well. It seems the most challenging transitions occur from the elementary to the middle schools. My guess is that is because of the 7 buildings transitioning to 2 buildings. Thank you for your ongoing work together to help with those transition times!

Finally....thank you for all your continued support and guidance to our students, staffs, and families. I am truly proud of the work that happens within the Linn Mar Community and am always excited to share that with others in the 'outside' world!

Take Care,
Julie