If you're going to read to the end of one of my posts, this should be the one

So I'm going with a Monday edition this month! I would like to apologize to my blog fans for my lack of posting. Conferences, book fairs, and trips to Tennessee have really messed with my schedule. 

Book fair is over
On that note, thank you to everyone for bearing with us during the longgggg book fair. We sold nearly $10,000 in books/junk which brings us a lot of Scholastic dollars. I used those dollars to purchase your teacher stacks as well as more materials for the book room. When I get my updated total, I will announce a super fun plan that I think you will like. Stay tuned. 

Service learning projects

In case you don't know, we are currently in the process of building chicken coops in Mr. Higgins' class (and eventually the rest of 5th grade). Basically, they are completing extensive research, designing a coop, presenting to high schoolers, and building the winning design. A big piece of the process is determining how to use the coop afterwards so that it benefits an organization. The students have been great and it's been a huge challenge. My hope is that we can do some sort of project with each grade level. It doesn't need to be as large (I'm not sure I could survive if it were) but it's a great way to get kids really thinking and working together for a common goal. Think it over and we'll chat sometime next month to see what ideas you have. 

iPads for everyone!
I found out last week about the district's plan for elementary devices. Here are some highlights:

• All teachers will be getting a new 7th generation iPad and case
• All teachers will be getting a Dell 3390 touchscreen laptop (newer model than what you currently have)
• There will be 1:1 iPads for K-5. This news is pretty big. I'll need to spend time during your grade level meetings to discuss this development with the K-2 teachers
• Laptop carts will remain in the building but it sounds like they won't be replacing them anymore
• I don't know about your classroom desktops. I'm guessing they stay for the time being, but I think at some point the laptop you have will serve as the presentation station as well. 

According to the info I received, they are planning to start this process for a first wave of schools in January. And we are in the first wave. We are waiting for details on how this plan is going to roll out. 

Laptop carts

I've been hearing from teachers that the laptops are not getting put back properly all the time. Here is what need to happen EVERY TIME you use the laptops:

• Each laptop needs to shut down. I'd suggest you have each student keep their laptop open so you can make sure it is off
• Each laptop needs to be plugged in and returned to the correct slot in the cart
• Every cart needs to be plugged into the outlet at the correct location in the building

If this process isn't done correctly, it hurts the next teacher who has to use them. Please take the time to complete the process. Otherwise, we'll go back to lock and key and I really, really don't want another thing to manage...

Hot chocolate cart

I have supplies ready to go to visit your classrooms for some hot chocolate reading time. Light a fire on your flat screen and let's relax with a good book (not iReady) and a hot beverage. Pair it up with the book mobile for a truly crazy time!

The content you have been waiting for!

So it's that time of year again. The time where you break out your slippers, hot chocolate, and remote control. Yes, it's Christmas movie season. And like clockwork, here are my two favorite documents that live in my Google Drive: "Matt's fairly comprehensive Christmas movie spreadsheet" and "Christmas movie bingo cards". Enjoy!

Matt's fairly comprehensive Christmas movie spreadsheet (no, I won't allow you to edit it, Amber. All my rankings are correct. Make your own copy if you don't like my scores!)

Christmas movie bingo cards

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Break!