#memspachat Archive
A chat for Principals, Administrators & Lead Educators. Come join the Collaboration and Learning THURSDAY'S at 8pm ET.
Thursday September 8, 2016
8:00 PM EDT
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Here we go! My tweets for the next hour will be dedicated to & w/ Mike!
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Questions will be asked in the format Q1: [question here]. You reply with A1: [your response]. Don't forget to include
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Tonight, we'll discuss how schools
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Good evening! Happy to join you tonight...at least until my son calls for a ride home :)
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Mike Domagalski, Elementary Principal and Elementary Curriculum Coordinator for the checking into
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Hello friends! Jon here, elementary principal from Livonia and coming in straight from our first PTA meeting of the year.
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means that everyone is informed, supported, and empowered.
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Molly Funk here for tonight! Principal Mentor and professional learning facilitator
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Hello ... Betty from Harvest Elementary from Saline Area Schools.
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Hi everyone! David Simpson-Principal at Central Woodlands in Forest Hills!
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Doug Ammeraal -- Principal at Mona Shores Middle School Excited to join.
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Matt Severin, Principal of Dowagiac Middle School in SW Michigan --No game tonight!!
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Good Evening All,
Brenda Tenniswood from SCCRESA checking in (and multitasking like crazy tonight)
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Hello will be popping in and out tonight. Busy first week of school!
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love this hashtag! Hoping is what our faculty is doing!
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Mike Schulte, Wilkerson Elementary, Warren, baby!
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Jonathan, Proud Principal of Pullman Elementary K-5, and looking forward to cooler temperatures.
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Hello friends. Thanks for dialing in tonight.
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Greetings! MS principal here (Milan)
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Rachel Card, principal at Belle River Elementary in Marine City, joining the
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Please introduce yourself, your role working w/students, and where you’re tweeting from tonight.
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Dawn Kennaugh, principal at Beagle Elem in Grand Ledge
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here from . I'm Remind's Midwest Community based in Chicago, but I'm a native Michigander!
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Tweeting from my comfy chair in Canton, MI
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Andy, 3-5 principal in SW Mich
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Word! Like a Red MEMSPA Quarter Zip pullover size XL.
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Canton is represented tonight!
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I would sport some swag for sure!
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Excited to see some great minds on tonight's .
Moderator from is going to start with Q's and moderate
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Catherine Woolman middle admin checking in
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I grew up in Southfield, and went to Groves HS and U of M
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I wouldn't mind a polo shirt, or a hat. IS it MEMSPA swag or Remind swag?
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Going to start with Q1 in 1 minute
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Q1 **How do you build school community and spirit?**
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is happening now! 's is guest moderating tonight (and very excited to connect with other Michiganders).
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Take a 45 minute break with - happening now!
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A1: I would change the pronoun to “we” We build it through trust through & authenticity that ALWAYS places Ss at the forefront
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A1: Build community and spirit one student, teacher, parent at a time. Personal connections go a long way.
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A1. Build relationships and celebrate the positives as much as possible. Be available and present as much as possible.
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A1: We hold assemblies promoting our Vision, promote the great things we do through blog, website, and texts.
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A1 Our first Community Meeting tomorrow (whole school) together working & celebrating our successes! Also K/3 & 1/2 buddies!
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A1: Positivity and enthusiasm! Also branding, school swag, friendly competition, and collaboration.
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A1:. School spirit days. Wear your Wildcat clothes. Then pass out popsicles to the classes that participate
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A1: We are all-in on PRIDE for ourselves, each other, our school our district. Relationships first.
https://t.co/pIhvmC4jCe
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Q1 **How do you build school community and spirit?**
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A1: Also post tons of pics of Ss and Ts on instagram so they become instant CW celebrities:)
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A1: You build community & spirit by developing relationships & establishing positive traditions. A collective effort!
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Yes! Relationships, relationships, relationships!
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Sorry, Im late!! Special Education Teacher working on Administration License. Im am excited about tonight and eager to learn!
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Connections are key. Good one indeed!
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A1: Shared vision/mission bld wide, promoting positive mindset to stay the course, create opps to be 2gether, and a little fun!
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A1: Class meetings not only build community but prevent problems as well. Right ?
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Love this, be present! Ss & staff need to see us everyday!
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Relationships and Positivity!! BAM!
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does tons of selfies on Twitter with his kids every day! I love watching the feed!
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A1:Small talk, laughs, and smiles with Ss and Ts throughout the day. We say our "We Are 1 Team" cheer daily. Spirit wear.
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How do you brand your school? https://t.co/54Gc15JZnk
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A1: Positivity and enthusiasm! Also branding, school swag, friendly competition, and collaboration.
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The old one-two punch! :)
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change assembly to community meeting? Trying this year, shift mindset, build community & family.
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Just in time. We just started Q1. https://t.co/QoOzFNZY4C
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Sorry, Im late!! Special Education Teacher working on Administration License. Im am excited about tonight and eager to learn!
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Its the WIN strategy W-what's I-important N-now! Be present!
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A1:Building community and school spirit takes a village with a united vision!! There must be buy in and Ts willing to work hard!
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YES! Working on growing this opportunities!
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A1 add-on: swag and staff picture opening days! Huge for our community of teachers, staff, admin, etc.
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A1: Define who we are, then take deliberate action to make sure we are all moving in the same direction https://t.co/HGKNp69wc1
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Be present and engaged. Where have I heard that ? https://t.co/9abtLlcTfU
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Love this, be present! Ss & staff need to see us everyday!
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A1: have Ts lead & Ss learning how to lead
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Q2 **What are creative ways you communicate with your class, team, or school?**
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Craig McCalla - Cornerstone Elementary in Dexter.
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Really like this! Simple. It is like our Team Commitments!
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A1: Positivity and building relationships are also imperative to school climate and culture!! relationships no gains!!
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A1 - Cheering for the success, supporting our Principals and AP's for the work they do!
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we're also using WIN for What I Need! Remembering what individual learners need to succeed!
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A2: A weekly blog for staff and a weekly blog for parents. A more dynamic way of communicating with both groups!
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I'm Carl. Retired from pub schls in January. Missed the kids and tchrs too much. Now Prin @ Blessed Sacrament Schl in Midland
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A1: Spirit: PBIS acronym of , staff shirts, students design shirts (contest) for selling.
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A2: Remind texts (of course), Facebook posts, and newsletters and weekly staff bulletins.
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A1: Connections with students and families. High Fives, using names, creating a positive school story!
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A2: Social media. Not sure about the creative,but its new to some.
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Know where you are and where you are going! Great strategy! People like to know what path they're on
https://t.co/aznwDV8s1L
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A1: Define who we are, then take deliberate action to make sure we are all moving in the same direction https://t.co/HGKNp69wc1
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Touchcast videos and Remind
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A2: Communicate through Twitter, email, F2F, Voxer, Remind, Hand written notes.
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A1: Through regular celebration of the large and small successes of Ts and Ss
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A2: parents love seeing it on our website. Also we have a youtube and vimeo channel
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I use Smore to create a weekly parent newsletter
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We are just starting WIN this year. I'll add you to my resources along with
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A2: I post pics/video's to blog and youtube, then use to text them a direct link to see them. - Immediate Connection
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A2: PLC brainstorming luncheon, this is a space where educators can offer suggestions and new refreshing ideas and solutions
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Names are sooooo important! At each new building my goal was to know every students name by the holiday break.
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has great educator pricing. https://t.co/xSG2EGxWMf
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A2: Remind texts (of course), Facebook posts, and newsletters and weekly staff bulletins.
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A1: Community: Start every staff meetings with staff sharing good news & kudos to one another. Eating together on PD days, etc.
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A2 Recently sent a group (audio) text message.
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A2: Monday Memos, Sunday Calendar/Comm. to parents, monthly newsletter, Twitter/FB, Monday 6th ann. https://t.co/NBdgYTLxSR
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Q2 **What are creative ways you communicate with your class, team, or school?**
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Food brings people together! Such a huge part of education that got cut with the lunch hour
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A2. I use the basics..email, phone, facebook, .. guess I can be more creative!
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A2: I have a comm that is big into Facebook so use pics and videos to get our positive message out & making it easy to share
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A2: I have also send hand written notes home to parents and students saying how much I appreciate them.
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A2: Blog/website for Ps, one for Ts, Community Meetings, Twitter stories, present in the cafe'.
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A1: weekly newsletters, Facebook posts (text, pics, videos), assemblies, class visits https://t.co/FpsZ84wRzZ
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Q2 **What are creative ways you communicate with your class, team, or school?**
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A2: Of course, we LOVE for communication with parents & staff--send links to videos, podcasts, blog & little messages
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Love doing this! Phone calls to parents too. https://t.co/09AqkS1abX
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A2: I have also send hand written notes home to parents and students saying how much I appreciate them.
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A2: My favorite is what has become my annual Facetime from MEMSPA Conf. during a Star Student Assembly. https://t.co/FpsZ84wRzZ
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Q2 **What are creative ways you communicate with your class, team, or school?**
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Our Harvest 4 Happy Grams! Ss and Ps love them!
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With my team as a busy mom I use too! Kids Ts, Daycare, older sibs-all on family remind
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Q3 **How do you help or educate students when they're not at school?**
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A2: mailchimp, blogger, school website, YouTube channel, email, & is being utilized
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A2: I used Facebook Live to get messages to parents about new dismissal procedure
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Leadership Team does weekly notes to 3 staff members, give a coffee card, & then go into their classroom and share.
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A2: Starting up this year with kids sent to office to celebrate the good! They love seeing themselves in pics.
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A3: Online accounts in and RAZ Kids. Upper elementary students love to do assignments in Google Classroom from home.
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A3: We are focusing on S wonders this year. Eliminated tradition HW for wonders, reading for pleasure and family engagement!
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Q3: Social Media. Facebook, email, Instagram, Twitter. Engage them on their own ground
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What a cool idea! https://t.co/dSCjNJ8bUh
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Leadership Team does weekly notes to 3 staff members, give a coffee card, & then go into their classroom and share.
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A2: Social media and newsletters. These ideas are really helpful to read!
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A3: By teaching students that LIFE is a learning experience and that learning doesn't stop when we leave school! Stay curious!
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A3: We provide Moby Max, IXL, and encourage them to be kids who stand up in the community. Kids learn a lot through service
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Amen! https://t.co/KLC4QdWwKM
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A3: By teaching students that LIFE is a learning experience and that learning doesn't stop when we leave school! Stay curious!
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A3: We encourage and educate our families on things to do at home: reading and exploring the world around them.
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A3. Mobymax and other websites. Teachers have webpages with various links..encourage a love of reading.
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A3: Most of our teachers using Google Classroom and/or Schoology. This allows learning to cont. https://t.co/Ep0yiHzFTv
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A3: We use Compass Learning with learning paths built with their NWEA scores so they are personalized.
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A3: Agree w/ Teach Ss that learning happens all the time. Be curious with students, your curiosity spurs theirs
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Yes! Encouraging students to explore interests! Just shared change of HW beliefs w/ Ps today! Happy to share more.
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Q4 **How do you encourage parents to become partners in student learning?**
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A3: I communicate with a direct phone call home. I also utilize a peer system homework folder.
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Curiosity. There is an entire chapter in devoted to it! https://t.co/N6ZeQAuAOB
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A3: Agree w/ Teach Ss that learning happens all the time. Be curious with students, your curiosity spurs theirs
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A4: Share Ss learning w/ them, help feel like important part of community, treat them like real people https://t.co/8jdrl2N68c
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Q4 **How do you encourage parents to become partners in student learning?**
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A4: Asking staff to make 1 positive contact home to each student. Encourage positive relationship.
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A4. Ice cream/slurpee challenges. meet the reading goal, you win. I pay.
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A4: I'm leading a parent night on in a couple weeks
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A4: Schools can be hard for parents to navigate. make it easy to become involved and provide 2 way communication
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A4: Having just left a PTA meeting, it's powerful to see Ts & Ps working together on a shared vision for student success!
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A4: Shift in our HW beliefs. Instead of Ps being the HW police, asking them to engage in wonder & interest of their Ss.
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A3: Encourage Snow Day Challenges to be curious when "stuck" at home, have opened lib/comp lab in summer https://t.co/b12Rxm3FvN
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Q3 **How do you help or educate students when they're not at school?**
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A3: I would like to get connected with my Ss on social media, however it is complicated since I am a T at an alternative school.
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A4: and highlight the growth mindset in their child so they can see the difference schools and families make!
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A4: Weekly communications to engage parents in our character traits & in relationships. Need to do more. https://t.co/LR0SYNgeq3
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Q4 **How do you encourage parents to become partners in student learning?**
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The parking lot is a great place to provide parents an opportunity for the 2nd way!
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A4. keep them informed and in the loop. Let them see all the good that goes on. is great for that.
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A4: Weekly team (grade-level) newsletters, online planners/gradebooks, LMS parent access, Messenger updates, family events
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YES! Love to see fresh perspective & shifts in how we look at ways we are https://t.co/DUGWe6FGUy
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A4: Shift in our HW beliefs. Instead of Ps being the HW police, asking them to engage in wonder & interest of their Ss.
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A4: put a SI corner in every news letter to provide progress notes on academic goals https://t.co/dyEXZl36V0
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Q4 **How do you encourage parents to become partners in student learning?**
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Thank you Roy! That is how I "play" at work!
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A4: Hoping to bring a parent perspective into our new Student Advisory Team. Anyone doing this?
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A4: Share specific strategies so Ps can help Ss practice skills (including soft skills). Talk to Ps about the curriculum.
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Messenger updates, a great idea. https://t.co/24zhWBQidI
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A4: Weekly team (grade-level) newsletters, online planners/gradebooks, LMS parent access, Messenger updates, family events
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Q5 **How do you reach families who don't have consistent access to internet or devices? **
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A4 Give them tools that empower them to lead S learning. Make them a valued part of your school story.
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We have talked about this Doug. I'd love to hear how this goes!!
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- QUESTION 5 https://t.co/2tGO31EnJm
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Q5 **How do you reach families who don't have consistent access to internet or devices? **
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A5. Notes home and phone calls work best. Catch them in the AM or after school when you can.
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A5: In the parking lot before and after school. Initiate face to face discussion.
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A5: As said, the car pick up line is a great place to start. Sporting events, school events, grocery store
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A5 Make sure paper information is sent home, greet them on the way into school, home visits if needed.
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A5: phone calls, parent pickup loop, postcards, just keep trying...sometimes through other family members
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A5: Positive phone calls work well. Also evening activities with food is a great way to get Ps in the school & share positives.
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A5: Call parents on the phone. Invite them to school for face-to-face conversations. Snail mail when necessary.
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A5: What ever it takes! Home visits, bus rides, lots of phone calls. Ask them what meets their needs https://t.co/hIPSitLdiO
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Q5 **How do you reach families who don't have consistent access to internet or devices? **
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This is a big ? I'm fortunate that the vast majority have access < 10% do not. Still working on this! https://t.co/Tn2YBqXWla
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Q5 **How do you reach families who don't have consistent access to internet or devices? **
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Late and can't stay... But we still make paper copies of many items. I also share in parking lots and via the electronic sign
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Great alternative to HW https://t.co/KHIPcRwGUJ
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A3: We are focusing on S wonders this year. Eliminated tradition HW for wonders, reading for pleasure and family engagement!
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A5: Mass phone calls or paper copies of newsletter. Most families have phones
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A5: Many times it's just out in the community at McDs or the grocery store. https://t.co/L4QMobglFE
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Q5 **How do you reach families who don't have consistent access to internet or devices? **
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A5: Remind texts helps so much-many families have smart phones. Be deliberate abt reaching if don't https://t.co/rLOjNBJIbM
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Q5 **How do you reach families who don't have consistent access to internet or devices? **
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A5: If we truly care about equity in education, it is our responsibility to make sure we reach out to ALL parents.
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A4: create volunteer opportunities and ask them how they'd like to contribute
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A5: Ps not in system, get hard copies send of school info. They miss them a lot of communication-:/ https://t.co/12fVINeiaF
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Q5 **How do you reach families who don't have consistent access to internet or devices? **
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A5 Positive phone calls home to every student's family the first few weeks of school are so powerful
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Yes Send as many paper copies and make as many phone calls as needed to include them https://t.co/bCzfzmxC78
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A5: If we truly care about equity in education, it is our responsibility to make sure we reach out to ALL parents.
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I have to be better at this! Thanks
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A5: Phone calls mainly. Minimal paper!!! Allow families to come to use internet. Send links of info to their phones.
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A5: more focused use of School Messenger, connect during drop of and pick up lines, go where they are. https://t.co/dvUiIb3aGo
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Q5 **How do you reach families who don't have consistent access to internet or devices? **
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A4: It is important for Ps to be engaged and involved in their Ss learning. Ps must advocate and not create negative situations!
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We often know which parents need that phone call or letter. Ss won’t succeed if we leave their parents behind
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thanks... Gotta get youngest to bed. Couldn't miss the entire chat though
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A5: many parents w/o connection still have access at work. I'm shocked at how popular FB is for communicating.
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Q6 **How do you show transparency or accountability with communication?**
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A5 A home visit with positive message will let parents know you really care.
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A6: That's why I've shifted to blog/websites. Always on, always public.
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A5: for Ts & Ps, phone calls, & create ways to have activities that all can do at home (tech or not)
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A6 The old fashioned way. Talk face to face.
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A6: Make sure who/what we say we are is match with what is happening in classes, halls, playground. https://t.co/rU7MYKc419
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Q6 **How do you show transparency or accountability with communication?**
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A6: Be real, be honest. If you don't know the answer say so. Show that you are a continuous learner with your words & actions.
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A5: Consistent communication across all mediums. Important to have the same message no matter how we communicate
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A6: Honesty, genuineness, compassion
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A6: Shifted from paper, to solely using , blogs, email, = two way communication for transparency.
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A6: Constant communication, updates on school happenings, discipline data, areas of growth, needed support, authentic, etc.
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A6 Be honest in your message and willing to answer any questions.
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A6: Interact with parents on social media; immediate response to email; self accountability
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A5: I home visit and explain to Ps that I will help anyway I can and accommodate in anyway possible. Be genuine is key!!
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A6: Share contact information in communications. Always welcome direct contact for clarification or more info. Respond promptly.
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A6: Be honest & walk the walk. Like said, if you don't know, just say that..and follow up https://t.co/5031ZKYlu5
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Q6 **How do you show transparency or accountability with communication?**
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Did I say wisdom? https://t.co/6EgRk0nukF
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A6: Be real, be honest. If you don't know the answer say so. Show that you are a continuous learner with your words & actions.
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A6: Be open and honest, admit mistakes, share goals, say I don't know when you don't know. https://t.co/5TYHYCUbCB
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Q6 **How do you show transparency or accountability with communication?**
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A6 Operate from a belief of mutual respect and appreciation. Follow through, acknowledge any mistakes, always seek to understand
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A6: I practice what I preach!! Leading by example usually eliminates any doubt or questions. What must be educators of our word!
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A6: this is a WIG for to keep Ts & Ps connected. Google class, mailchimp, YouTube, & now F2F is best.
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A6: Allow for open two way communication where Ps can ask questions and get real answers
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A6: Started a request form for me (stole from Brkthrough Coach) for staff to use to get request on paper https://t.co/5TYHYCUbCB
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Q6 **How do you show transparency or accountability with communication?**
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Q7 **How do you connect or collaborate with other Ts or your principal to help your school ? **
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A7: Our staff spends 2 July days on retreat w/me. 28 of 31 certified staff 2 yrs running. We learn, laugh and grow together!
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you should follow , Thursday at 8pm
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A7: Lots of collaboration each week with ! This group makes me a better principal & exposes me to so many good ideas for school!
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A7: Constantly! Every PD, Dept. Mtgs, Grade Level Mtgs, CTT Mtgs, Peer Obs., Celebration Binders, etc. https://t.co/a1Ew5KWogb
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Q7 **How do you connect or collaborate with other Ts or your principal to help your school ? **
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Came from she got it from General Ed Leadership Networking Meeting. IDK what that is https://t.co/DJbWTWi7ON
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Where did you get that from? I'm interested in this...
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A7: that's happening right now. Great to meet others on the same path.
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A7: Share goals, personal and professional, support another and that support will be returned to you.
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A7: We connect on social media. I have started doing any desk work in the halls so teachers can talk easily with me.
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A7: We have parties/fun together, but real connection & collaboration comes from working hard side by side, being present
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Yes! Thank you for pointing that out. I learn so much from this group. Thank you!
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Great job by Moderating tonight.
Don't forget to check out all that can offer you and your school
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A7: Help them to be mindful, find the positives in each person/situation & collaborative norms. Make everyone part of the story
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Q7: My memspa family, chats, technology makes collaboration easier.
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A7. emails...trying to limit.. more face to face when i can. Texts if needed.
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A7 Working to establish effective collaboration time in every county principal meeting. Sharing ideas/expertise is so valuable
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Make the positive so loud that you can’t hear the negative! https://t.co/7uUOeQ40dv
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A7: Help them to be mindful, find the positives in each person/situation & collaborative norms. Make everyone part of the story
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Count on Me. Count on You.
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Q8 (Last one!) in 1 min...
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A7: Being constant and volunteering for leadership opportunities and giving guidance to newer Teacher's.
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The business world calls this . Change the way you see the world and help others do the same
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A7: It is also important to keep tabs on the pulse of the school and to keep my principal in the loop!!
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Q8 **How might we make growing and succeeding together fun?**
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Right now it is a paper copy. The visual of it helps ensure it gets done. Could see a Google Form used in future.
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A7: Organize around a common goal or purpose to brainstorm ideas and share resources, in person and digitally.
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A8: I couldn't imagine it NOT being fun!! We have the best jobs in world as Educators:)
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A8 Keep sharing, build relationships, be courageous enough to do things differently, comply but fight against policy bad for Ss.
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A8: We are reading FiSH, very fitting for us cus we love to PLAY. Smile, laugh, joke, stay positive! https://t.co/j49qn91W72
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Q8 **How might we make growing and succeeding together fun?**
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Awesome job by from moderating 2nite's chat. Well done & much appreciated! So much learning/leading on
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A8: Celebrating with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind when Ts take risks in hopes of growing! Big MSU fan quoting Harbaugh here
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A8: There's no other way. To engage people and get them to invest, it must be meaningful and fun. Personalize, Innovate, Create
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For a REALLY fun time, come to our annual conference! Principals work hard and play hard
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A8: To quote MR Rourke from Fantasy Island. "Smiles everyone, smiles"
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A8: Celebrate positives! Give people opportunities to share their successes and time to laugh.
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I liked and then unliked that. MSU fan here too!
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A8. remember we work with kids! Remind each other to celebrate the good & not focus on the bad. Give yourself the ok to have fun
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