Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Opening Day for Staff...The Extravaganza

On Tuesday, September 4, 2012 the entire staff of the Millville Public Schools will meet at Lakeside for the "Extravaganza." I tried, along with two other administrators, to find out exactly what this was all about. Here is our journey to find out about the Extravaganza:




Does anyone have any information?

Saturday, August 25, 2012

August 27 - 31

Bacon Bears,

You Matter!

I asked the first question!
Last Thursday, I was selected to participate in a discussion with Governor Chris Christie! I blogged about this experience, so if you are inclined, please visit my personal web site.


It is the last full week of summer vacation. The RM Bacon staff has been extremely busy making last minute preparations to the building.
Since our enrollment numbers have fluctuated, I was faced with a decision - I had to move some teachers around. All letters mailed to students prior to the changes (grades 1-5) may need to be re-mailed. We will make sure to send the new letters ASAP. I will not be making changes to the new class lists. I appreciate your cooperation.


As we think about returning to school, I found this inspirational, and funny video.... Can you fly?


Mrs. Benson's mural: Explore, Discover, Create
Back to School Supplies: The welcome back letter (which you will be receiving shortly) will indicate your child's teacher. If there are specific items your child needs to bring, that information will be enclosed, mailed separately or can be found on their teacher's web site.

My summer project for the teachers and guests

Opening Day (September 6): Last year we had an impromptu assembly in the gym because it was raining. Reflecting on that morning, it was helpful for all of us (parents, teachers, students) to be together for a few moments prior to the school year beginning. We are planning on continuing that tradition this year. All students and parents are invited to enter the building at 8:55 AM and go directly to the gym. Our brief Welcome Back assembly will begin promptly at 9:15 AM. Students will be dismissed by teacher from the assembly to their classroom.

Dr. Cook at padcamp with other NJ educators! 

Staffing Updates: As I stated earlier, our enrollment numbers have forced us to make changes. Here is a list of the most up to date classroom teacher assignments:
Kindergarten - Mrs. Lore, Mrs. Munzenmayer, Ms. Anton
1st Grade - Mrs. Lunemann, Mrs. DeVita, Mrs. Bingham (Mrs. Fallows is Maternity Leave replacement)
2nd Grade - Mrs. Taylor, Mrs. Cheeseman, Mrs. Pedrick
3rd Grade - Mrs. Digorgio, Mrs. Benson
4th Grade - Mrs. Sinone (Woodman), Mrs. Gandy, Mr. Drewnowski
5th Grade - Mrs. Sutton, Mrs. Muhlbaier, Mr. Hudson

I would like to welcome Mrs. Raudenbush back to RM Bacon. She will be joining our BSI/RTI team.
RM Bacon is Blooming!

Weekly overview: (Office hours 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM this week)
Monday -
Tuesday - New Teacher Orientation
Wednesday - New Teacher Orientation
Thursday - New Teacher Orientation
Friday -

Friday, August 3, 2012

August 6 - 17

Bacon Bears,

Our summer break continues on! As I write this blog post, I have one thing on my mind - VACATION.

Next week I will be on vacation with my family. I have made a very tough decision. I will be completely ( I am sure some of you are surprised) powering down – No facebook, email, twitter, blogging, google+, pintrest, edmodo, linkedin, etc.). Just sun, sand, and family! I will be reading and writing, but nothing else!


Ever wonder about how to start a PLN (or what is a PLN?) Check this out:


The week after (August 13 – 17) I will be out of the office at a workshop for our newly formed Regional Achievement Centers (RAC). This information will be valuable as we learn more about what exactly is a "focus" school. Also that week, I will be attending Pad Camp on August 16 http://www.padcamp.org/ Come join me for free Professional Development…


The NJASK scores came back, and the preliminary numbers are promising. We made gains in almost all areas, and we took another step closer to becoming world class. As you might imagine, we have more work to do!
  
  
Building updates
No access to the 3rd floor on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday due to the floor being refinished.


Remember: Impossible is Nothing!

Office Hours
August 6 - 9 (7:30 - 4:30 PM)
August 13 - 16 (7:30 - 4:30 PM)

Thursday, July 26, 2012

July 30 - August 3

Bacon Bears,

As we approach the month of August, we are all anticipating the opening of the 2012-2013 school year. I am engaged in a lot of planning, and reflecting on how to ensure RM Bacon becomes a World Class School.

I am currently reading the book Drive, by Daniel Pink, and it is really helping me understand the science behind motivation. Enjoy this video, and think about what really motivates you?



Our summer trek team worked very hard the last 3 days on identifying a problem in our school. As a team, we worked collaboratively, and used the Performance Excellence Group (PEG) tools to develop goals, and an action plan!
Ken Biddle presenting Systems Thinking to the 11 Summer Trek Teams

This week we will be interviewing for our vacant positions. Good luck to all of the candidates!

Weekly Overview
Monday - Hours 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday - Hours 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday - Hours 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday - Hours 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM; Dr. Cook will be presenting at the Principals and Supervisors Conference at Rowan University
Friday - Office closed (except for interviews)

Thursday, July 19, 2012

July 23 - 27

Bacon Bears,


Hot town, summer in the city! Wow, was it hot this week? Despite the heat, our staff has been working to get the school ready for September.


Have you taken your eye off of the ball? Take a few minutes to watch this video about The Ball:


The School Leadership Team (Summer Trek) will be descending on Lakeside Middle School for 3 days next week. Our goal for summer trek this year is to develop a world class school that uses a systems approach to continuous improvement. Impossible is Nothing!


Building Updates:
Room 14 in the process of a make-over


Room 22: Ready for cleaning


Main stage getting brighter with each cleaning


Weekly Overview:
Monday - Office Hours 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday - Office Hours 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM; Summer Trek, Lakeside Middle School
Wednesday - Office Hours 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM; Summer Trek, Lakeside Middle School
Thursday - Office Hours 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM; Summer Trek, Lakeside Middle School
Friday - Office Closed

Thursday, July 12, 2012

July 16 - 20

Bacon Bears,


Mrs. Pedrick and her Cierra at Sesame Place
I hope everyone is making the most out of their summer. I have been busy preparing for the school year by reading, writing, reflecting, and most importantly, re-charging! Over the past few weeks, I have been engaged in a Skype project titled, "Educators Making a Difference." I contacted educators through twitter, and asked them to participate. We then Skyped, because everyone involved lives in different parts of the world. My learning curve, as a result of this project, has been tremendous! If you are interested in learning more about the project, please feel free to visit drspikecook.com. I would love to read your comments!

Summer Pictures:

Mrs. Simpson and baby Adam! How precious!
Mrs. Simpson's garden


Here is a great video on creativity. Take 2 minutes to watch it, and you will be glad you did!


Building Updates:
The third floor, except for Rooms 17 and 27, is completed. Teachers who are assigned to the third floor are able to visit, and begin setting up their classrooms. The custodian crew is working on the main floor, bottom floor, and the stage. I will let you know when the other classrooms are ready.
The crew is working on renovating the stage for all to see

Staffing Updates:
Due to increasing enrollment in Kindergarten, RM Bacon will be posting an Elementary Teaching position, and a Full Time Instructional Assistant position very shortly.

We are also seeking a Maternity Leave Teaching Position (September 4 - January 1) for 1st grade.

Interested candidates can access the online application:  http://www.generalasp.com/millville/onlineapp/default.aspx

Weekly Overview:
Monday - 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday - Office Closed - Dr. Cook at Administration Retreat
Wednesday - 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday - 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday - Office is closed

Friday, July 6, 2012

July 9 - 13

Look for the new bumper sticker, Fall 2012
Bacon Bears,

Hopefully everyone enjoyed their 4th of July. I know that with the power situation in Cumberland County, many families had to stay with friends, or in hotels. Our thoughts are with anyone who lost their power!

The custodian staff is closely approaching completion of the third floor! The paint crew dropped off paint, so they should be visiting soon! We are very excited about all of the great updates to the building this summer.

Here are some pictures that have been sent to me.... Keep them coming!

Ms. Woodman's mangled AC unit :(

My daughter, Catherine, graduated from Pre-K

Mrs. Harris (left) and Mrs. Brunetta


Mrs. Gandy enjoying some pool time!
Weekly overview:
Monday - Office Closed
Tuesday - Office Hours 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday - Office Hours 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday - Office Hours 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday - Office Closed