My apologies...

Idina Menzel (Elsa)

First, let me apologize for the amateur mistake during announcements. My daughter pointed out at lunch that I mistakenly had "Elsa" matched up with Kristen Bell. Of course, many of you already know that I should have had "Anna" there or Idina Menzel. As a Disney fan, I feel embarrassed by my error and will never let something similar happen again. 

Sorry if I didn't get to your team planning meeting this week. I preference classroom visits/activities over planning time in my schedule. So if I don't show up, it's not you, it's me. Track me down if you have anything to discuss/ask/demand.

Classroom Happenings:

• Completed beginning sound scavenger hunts with kindergarten this week
• Continued LEGO Storytelling with many classes
• Hosted eight student book groups (19 students) for our Mark Twain Award nominees
• Made buttons in Ms. Guillory's room
• Failed miserably in labeling basic animated characters to their voice actor
• Supported fourth grade with their first class to class Mystery Zoom session
• Planned with Kindergarten to put together some Mystery Number/Word sessions starting next month

Flock Updates
Thank you to Hannah for braving muddy conditions this week. I went in after meetings Wednesday to complete some maintenance so hopefully we'll be mostly dry going forward. Ms. Corwin is taking next week as well and then Ms. Kinkead will handle the first week of October. 

Egg Production Data
Here is a link to the production of the flock: Link to Egg Production. Feel free to use it with your students. 

STEAM Kit Checkouts
I have been receiving hold requests for STEAM kits. But while I was getting them ready to go out, I remembered that iPads weren't going home. So after talking to our fearless admin team, here's what will happen:

1. A student puts a hold on the STEAM kit
2. I contact the parent via Seesaw to confirm that the iPad will be coming home the week of the checkout
3. If they say no, then done
4. If they say yes, then I'll get the kit, deliver it to your classroom, and then the student can take their iPad home with them with the kit
5. If the iPad doesn't return to school, contact the parent and let them know the deal is off if the student forgets it again
6. I will also put the student in the STEAM Seesaw course so they can complete the activity to get credit for the drawing at the end of the year
7. Super clear, right?

iPad Updates
At some point next week, can you confirm that your students' iPads are on the latest iOS? I've been seeing some strange occurrences and want to eliminate that variable when I put in work orders. 

Have a great weekend!

What's in the box??

My data shows that more people opened my blog when I featured a Daniel Craig meme. So for this week, since I have lots of technology to offer people, let's go with Brad. 

I had several students ask me if we are playing Wheel of Fortune with The Fishbowl letters. They are having a hard time solving the puzzle. So if your team has some spare time on Wednesday, consider working on your letter! 

What's happening

• Fourth grade all continued their work with Mystery Zooms. They did a practice run with me as the mystery class. Next week, they'll zoom with each other as the last practice run before connecting with other classes. This activity is great for grades 3-5. We can also do "mystery numbers" with most grades.
• Third grade is pushing forward with their "passion projects". Students have created heart maps and are choosing topics to research. Next week, they'll be highlighting questions to research and will be starting gathering information.
• 
  Six classrooms visited The Fishbowl for the LEGO Storytelling activity. Students continue to impress with their creations. We also had several classes working in groups to build large scenes from the books. Finished projects were uploaded to Seesaw with a photo and voice recording of their work. If you haven't scheduled a visit yet, you still have a chance before October.
• Kindergarten has planned for a "breakout scavenger hunt" next week. Students will be finding locations around the building and recording the beginning sound of each location to uncover the secret code. I'm happy work with all grade levels on breakout activities.
• I started four book groups with 19 fourth and fifth graders. We are challenging ourselves to read all 12 Mark Twain Award nominees this year. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade teachers, if you have some students that you think would benefit from a pull out book group, talk to me and we'll see if we can set something up.

Geode kits
I am still working through the Geodes. I have first grade mostly finished and have one module from kindergarten and second grade finished. If you are looking for additional modules, let me know and I will get it ready for you. 

Amplifiers
We still have 13 portable voice amplifiers available for checkout. Coach grabbed one last week and has said that the amplifier has had a greater impact on his life than his entire experience in fourth grade with me as his teacher. So basically, huge. 

Document Cameras
I also have a couple of document cameras available for use. Let me know if you would like to try one out in your classroom. It's for showing stuff on your flat panel.

Hope you have a great weekend!

Can you hear me now??

The shortest weeks are always the longest. Quick updates below.

Classroom updates
I'd like to start including activities I've been involved with in different grade levels so I
can prove I'm working on something. Here's what's been happening...

• 
  Started "Mystery Zooms" with fourth grade. Students are learning US geography and will be zooming with classes across the country to figure out the mystery state. We'll be practicing next week with the hope of going live in two weeks.
• Planned with third grade about starting "passion projects" or "genius hour" to allow students to work on research and presentation skills. 
• First grade has started planning a team sustainability project. We're looking to install gardens and birdhouses for their courtyard. 
• Second grade is moving forward with creating a garden outside the media center window. They'll be planting bulbs to observe the growing cycle.
• LEGO Storytelling has started in The Fishbowl. Ms. Jeffries' class started out this morning. We read "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind" and built scenes from the story.

STEAM Kits
I'm ready to start STEAM Kit checkouts. For those of you who weren't here last year, students can check out kits to use at home. Kits include Spheros, Ozobots, Duct Tape, etc. Checkouts are made by putting a hold in Destiny. I need to make a new video for directions. When I do, I'll send it out to you. In the meantime, the route is Classlink>Electronic Library>Destiny CRE>Collections>STEAM Kits. 

Flock Care
Thanks to Ms. Guillory for handling the flock this week. I have now prepared a checksheet for your class. It's on a clipboard. Complete the week and record the number of eggs you collect each day on the sheet. You can distribute the eggs to students to take home or keep them for yourself. You could cook them up for students if you want! Ms. Guillory, please pass the clipboard, egg cartons, and coop key to Ms. Heath for next week. At the end of the week, please have a student bring me the checksheet so I can record the egg production on our master spreadsheet. Here's the upcoming schedule:

• Week of September 13 - Heath
• Week of September 20 - Corwin
• Week of September 27 - Kinkead

Inspiration Station
We will be offering the Inspiration Station for collaborative work again. Students can display an iPad to the flat panel. All you have to do is let me know when you'd like to send a group so we can make sure they are supervised.

Amplifier systems
Dr. Nelson found some portable amplifier systems on the black market. We have eight available for you to use in your classroom. They are on backorder now but more should be arriving next month. Let me know if you'd like one.

Have a Great Weekend!

September STEAM Challenge and more

Here you go...

#CREmediabingo
It's been fun seeing so many tweets the last few days from classes completing bingo challenges. Anita was tweeting like crazy today! I have posted a master board outside the Media Center to track progress. I'm adding your grade/name when I see your tweets (1J for Jeffries). I've seen Ms. Tracy (@MissTracy_CRE), Ms. Faust (@MissAbbyFaust), and Ms. Long (@Long5thCRE) join Twitter this week. Give them a follow! Next week, I'll get the buckets and chairs out to accessible locations for you. If you need help getting started with #CREmediabingo, please let me know. 

September STEAM Challenge
This month's activity will be LEGO storytelling. Classes who participate will come to The Fishbowl for a story. After hearing part or all of the book, students will be challenged to create a build with LEGO to go along with the story. Depending on your class, we could also have students upload their creation to Seesaw along with a voice recording explaining their build. I envision the activity taking 45-60 minutes. Let me know if you are interested. 

Library Checkouts
This year we are back to back checkouts from 1:00-3:00 which makes things tight. We are working to finish the book/mini-lesson before the 15 minute mark so there is plenty of time to checkout. We'd like to start the lining up process with enough time to get out the door after 30 minutes. So that time will vary for each class depending on how fast you can line up. A couple other reminders:

• Send your returned books to the library in the morning. If books aren't returned in the morning, we won't be accepting them during library time. It's just too much to manage on the fly.
• Get those book bins decorated (optional) and clearly labeled (mandatory) with your name. Bingo!
• Books that need to be renewed can be brought down by the student during library time
• Students in grades 2-5 are welcome to continue bringing their iPads to use the Destiny catalog
• Remind students to leave any distracting toys/games/objects in class
• We need masks fully worn in the library. If students are unable to keep them on, they will be asked to wait outside. We have too many students in and out all day to contact trace, so masks are pretty important to keeping the library open. 

Media Class
Please check to make sure your iPads are charged for Media class. I'm working on acquiring more chargers for the classrooms. In the meantime, try to manage usage so they are fresh for Media. iPads will be the main tool used during class.

Book a Day Form
Here is the link to our "Book A Day" form. Please submit books you are reading to your class and encourage students to submit their own form. I will draw names before the book fair to award coupons to students/classes for a free book from the fair. The form is also available on the Media Center website on the left sidebar.

Website Updates
Please send me a picture to include on your staff directory webpage. Email is great. 

Enjoy your extra day off. If you need me, I'll be on the golf course.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the weekend.

Whew, what a week! If you are on Twitter and don't follow @CraigWeekend, you need to start now.

It's been a crazy week. Thanks to Lori, we have the bulk of iPads out in classrooms. I know we'll be dealing with one-off issues throughout the week. But I'll be able to be much more responsive than I was this week. Please email me with your issues/missing devices and I'll add you to the queue. My goal is to have every student fully operational by midweek. 

I'll also be able to really start planning out activity opportunities. So next week's blog is going to be full with information, including a brand new bingo board. If you are familiar with my world famous "Christmas Movie Bingo", then you know what to expect.

I had a blast today making buttons with every kindergarten student. We made "about me" buttons. Let me know if you are interested in a visit next week. 

Instructional Tech ideas
I'm ready to be used in your classrooms. Here are a few things you may want me to teach or help you out with:

• General "we got a lot of issues" support - schedule a time for me to come down and troubleshoot everything
• Seesaw - get started with activities
• Apple Classroom - get your students enrolled
• Using QR Codes
• Something else you want to do! 

Geodes
Yes, we do have the Geodes books for your reading instruction. No, they aren't all ready for checkout. But they can be. If you are planning on using the Geodes, please give me a day or two to get them ready. Just email me the level you want and I'll get it prepped for you. We should be able to work through all of them now the iPad purgatory is about over. 

Chicken Schedule
I got a late start on the flock care schedule. Here's what I have scheduled so far. I'm pretty sure more of you have talked to me, but I've forgotten. So email me if you are interested.
    Week of August 30 - Ms. Hickcox
    Week of September 6 - Ms. Guillory

Website Updates
The district is requiring staff pictures on our websites. So I'll be in the process of adding your pictures. Please email me a classy picture (I'm assuming they want a headshot and not you standing in front of a sketchy Volkswagon van) via email and I'll update the pages. I'd love them before next Friday. 

Library Checkout
If you teach in grades 2-5, please have your students bring their iPads to library checkout. We will be learning how to search for books and place holds next week during checkout time.

Media Class
From this point forward, please bring your iPads to Media class. Mandy will be getting students enrolled in Apple Classroom this week and will be reviewing iPad expectations. 

Grade Level Meetings
Team leaders, please email me the day/time you are meeting as a team. I'd love to get those on the calendar so I can start finding ways to help integrate. 

Have a great weekend!

Game time!

I hope you are all enjoying your weekend. I wanted to give you a few updates before Monday. Please, please, please test out your connection to your flat panel, sound, and touch display if you haven't already!! As always, find me if you have any questions. 

iPad distribution
I still have work to to prepare devices. Currently, I'm short on iPads and am waiting for more to be sent over by technology services. My goal is to have them already enrolled to students before passing them out but I'm running short on time. If you are dying to have them, contact me so I know and can move you to the top of the list. I'd love to help distribute the iPads with you to help with the process of connecting to wireless. But if the schedule doesn't allow, I can walk you through it. 

Library Checkout
I shouldn't have been surprised to find out Lori's shady behavior has warranted a background check. So even though she's taught for 47 years in CPS including as recently as June 30, she can't start on Tuesday. Hopefully we will get clearance really soon. I will cover classes on Tuesday and Stephanie will be here Wednesday through Friday. 

Your students do not need to bring anything for library this first week. If you are coming from the main hallway, line up along the windows. If you are coming from the Kindergarten side, have your line leader stop by the bulletin boards across the hall from the doors. Stephanie, Lori, or myself will meet the classes in the hallway. We will use the carpet for read aloud and mini lessons. I will have you choose students to sit on the couch or blue chairs during whole group time. Students will be assigned tables after checking out based on their classroom seating. So please bring your seating chart on the first day. I'll have the tables numbered so it's easier for students to remember where to go. We'll have teachers dismiss the class to lineup so you can use whatever system they're used to. 

Grade level activity in The Fishbowl Monday
I'm asking for your help in customizing our Makerspace. We have set out stations for all grade level teams to create a custom piece for the space. We'll be adding the word "CREATE" to the upper windows facing the hallway. Each grade is responsible for one letter. You'll find a piece of foamboard set out for you. Your task is to cut out and decorate your assigned letter. Please make it as large as possible, but it's up to your team to decide if it's upper or lower case, basic or fancy font, positive or negative. Maggie laid out a large variety of objects on the kidney table for you to use. Here are your assignments:

C - Kindergarten
R - First grade
E - Second grade
A - Third grade
T - Fourth grade
E - Fifth grade

Flock care
I'm looking for a class who'd like to help out with the chicken the first two weeks. Let me know if you are interested. I'll be visiting the flock at 9:00 Monday morning if you'd like to take a look at how we gather eggs and replace the food/water. And if you help, you'll get free eggs! 

See you Monday!

Back to School Yelling Session

Welcome back! Larry said I had thirty minutes to yell at staff. Because most of what you'll hear
will be soon be forgotten, here's a rundown topics I'm covering...

The Team
Stormi Pryor - Lover of powdered doughnuts
Stephanie Criblez - Nicest Media Center staff member
Lori Huhman - Just working for beer money 
Carl Robinson - Building technician

Communication
I try to write a blog post each Friday. My goal is to keep your inbox clean by summarizing information and sending it out at the end of the week. I'll only send out blasts if the info is critical. If you don't read my posts, you won't know what's going on and your kids will miss out on opportunities...

Checkout Schedule
Library checkouts will be available Tuesday through Friday. This year will feature a friendly competition to determine checkout times. Visit the media center Wednesday morning from 9-11 to partake in a fun game set up by Jake. Best score will get first pick of times. Worst score will pick last. Fun! Checkouts will start on day 1 unless you want to wait. But why would you? Come pick up a library return cart from the media center. Have your students decorate it and you could win $50 to the next book fair! 

Library checkout is not release time. It's important to have all hands on deck to support their browsing and for active supervision. I'm still working on details for how the process will work this year in regards to Covid protocols. I'll send out directions later this week. 

Collaboration
My job is to support your instruction. I will attempt to get back to meeting with grade level teams each week. No, I will not be talking at you. I'll be there to listen to what's going on, offer integration ideas when applicable, teach you new skills you are curious about, share updates if needed. If I know what you are teaching, then I can better support your students. Team leaders, please let me know what day/time you'd like for me to join you. 

Schoolwide Literacy Focus
For those of you who weren't scared off by Larry, you'll recall we instituted several vertical activities such as Friday announcement read alouds, "The Masked Reader", and "March Reading Madness". We loved how many students in different grades talked books with each other. Here are some things we have in motion...

• Monthly genre/author/topic focus
• "Book a Day" board will be making a comeback. Prizes for those classes/students who participate.
• "Mark Twain Nominee" book groups with 4th/5th graders.
• Student book recommendations in Destiny
• Other ideas from you!

What have I put into it for this year?

• I purchased $950 worth of Flipster magazines (The Week Junior, Zoobooks, Sports Illustrated for Kids, Ranger Rick Junior, Girls' World, Baking Heaven, How it Works, Cobblestone, Brainspace, All About Space, Eco Kids Planet)
• I purchased $1300 worth of new books for the library
• I submitted a $2000 grant proposal for additional eBooks and audiobooks for Sora (fingers crossed!!)

I'm asking for your help in supporting the resources that I've put into our program. Epic is fine and all, but there so much good content in Sora and Flipster. You'll be hearing us promote it frequently, you'll start to see posters in the hallways, but we need you to be a promoter as well. 

Makerspace - The "Fishbowl"
Our new and improved (and hopefully permanent for as long as I'm here) Makerspace is ready for action. I'm envisioning starting with three ways to use it:

1. Monthly maker challenges
2. Daily "open lab" times for grade levels
3. Special integration projects for grades/classes

Visit with your grade level team sometime Thursday or Friday for a super-duper fun activity! You'll be tasked with making an item to display in the Fishbowl. Plan on 30 minutes or so. 

We will continue with STEAM checkout kits. Look for information in a few weeks. 

The Flock
A classroom rotation will be set up to care for the chickens this year. Look for an email signup from me later this week. Once signed up, I'll work with your class to make the process as smooth and clean as possible. I'll also reach out to classes to help with more involved coop maintenance once the year gets going. Nikki, you'll be in charge of performing chicken physicals. 

Bookroom

Reminders about how to use the bookroom:

1. Walk to the bookroom located in the art hallway (I can give tours to our new folks)
2. Select the books you want. Grab the chapter books or the entire bag of books.
3. Walk to the library to check them out. This step is important. I will be looking at weeding materials every year so if they aren't getting checked out, I won't know you're using them. If nobody is there, either leave a post it on the materials (Rachel is a pro at this) or you can write your name and the barcodes on a post it. 
4. Use them in the classroom
5. Put all the books back in the bag and put the papers so everyone can easily see the front. 
6. Return to the blue crate located just outside my office door.

Important: if you are skipping step 3, do not bother to return them to the blue crate. Put them back on your own. I don't want to spend time shelving materials you didn't bother to check out :)

Technology
Ready, set, go...

• I will meet with your teams later this week about iPad distribution
• iPads labels for all with passwords for K-2
• Charging solutions
• Plan for taking home or not
• Students in grades 3-5 will be required to change passwords. I'll work with Stormi to handle that process in Media. You'll get their password information once it's changed. We'll set a convention for each grade to help them remember. 
• There is no computer lab. We have two laptop carts
• One will be housed with Stormi for Media class needs
• The other will be available for classes to checkout for use
• We won't be able to support handing out loaners to students who don't have iPads, so we'll figure that into your iPad take home plan
• Seesaw - I haven't received any updates on how classes will turn over for next year. I'm working on getting information.
• I need to check out all teacher devices. At some point Thursday or Friday, bring your iPad and laptop to me to check out.
• If you need your laptop imaged, bring it to the Media Center with your name and room number on a post it. Carl will get to them as soon as he can. 

Tech Integration Training
I know that teachers new to CPS don't get any real training anymore. I'm thinking we'll tackle your learning a few different ways.

• Grade level meetings
• 1 on 1 walkthroughs
• After school technology specific training, probably on a set day of the week
• Upcoming sessions in the media center:
• Thursday 1:00 - Getting families connected to Seesaw
• Friday 1:00 - Apple Classroom

Outdoor Learning Spaces
A reminder about all the outdoor learning spaces that are available to you:

• Outdoor deck classroom near the fourth grade wing - look for a schedule for sign up
• Folding chairs
• Buckets, lots of buckets

Composting
Yes, we will continue our composting project. Emily is in charge of putting the compost bins back together. If students eat in the cafeteria, it will all be done there. Look for information for students to join the "CRE Green Team" to help support our sustainability efforts in upcoming blogs. Might I suggest telling room parents that we don't support single use plastic bottles??

I'm done