Bears,
Greatness. Excellence. While we as educators continually strive for these things, being great or excellent is what occurs during the journey. It's not a destination but a process. In fact, all work can be defined as a process. So, what does this mean? Greatness comes from working on the right things in the right ways at the right times for the right reasons. So how can we be sure our work is effective? Well, practice makes perfect, right? Sort of...
We often hear something like "teacher practice" to describe the methods and ways in which educators deliver instruction. There's that word again - practice. And even tough it does have a different meaning in that context, you can't help but see the connection. Educators know that they must continually practice their practice. No matter how well we do, we know we must keep our skills sharp and ready. The best athletes or musicians don't attain a certain level of mastery and then stop practicing. They know the secret (and it's not really a secret at all) to their success is in the effectiveness and focus of their practice.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to teaching because there are no one-size-fits-all learners. The greatness and excellence we aspire to as a school can only be attained when we take an honest look at what we do, why we do it, and for whom we do it. It's a continual process - it's constant practice. Are we doing the best job possible? Can we do better? Where? In what ways? These are the questions that propel our work. We at Bacon believe in the idea of continuous improvement - of not resting on what we've accomplished, of not being content with being okay or pretty good. We want to be the best because our Bears deserve the best. The work is hard but noble. It has to be - the work is for our future.
In the weeks and months ahead, let's think about the work we do. Let's practice our practice, and let's make sure the hard work we already do is focused in the right areas that will bring us and our students the right results.
Weekly recap and a look ahead
Last week was another great week. Floor hockey season is in full swing, our staff began tackling some tough issues regarding student achievement and engagement, the kindergartners got all wet (see pictures below), and plans are in the works for some winter and spring activities. For the second half of the year, we are looking to have more opportunities for parent and community involvement in our school. You'll see a few of those events listed below, but keep checking the blog each week for updates. One event in particular, the Traveling Science Show (see flyer below) will be held at Lakeside Middle School on 2/22 at 7 pm. This event is hosted by the Parents as Leaders Cooperative, and it is open to all Bacon families. Check out the flyer for some of the great things that will be happening that night.
Another event on the horizon is the HSA Pizza Bingo Night. This will also take place on 2/22, but it will be at 6 pm. For families who wish to do both events, there will be time to play pizza bingo at Bacon and hop over to Lakeside for the science show. Either way, that night will offer plenty to do for our Bacon families.
That's it for now. Be great, do great work, and have a great week.
Mike
"Together, we can. Together, we will."
Pictures from around the School
More Pictures from January's PBIS Pep Rally!
Birthday Selfies!
Weekly overview
Monday (2/6): E day - lesson plans due, 4th grade PLC (10:44 - 11:24) Board Meeting to honor educators of the year (7 pm at Culver)
Tuesday (2/7): A day - Floor hockey (8 am in the gym), 1st grade PLC (12:08 - 12:48), 3rd grade PLC (2:!4 - 2:54), Dave Sechler visit at 1:30
Wednesday (2/8): B day - Dare to be Fit (8 am in the gym), Workout Wednesday
Thursday (2/9): C day - Floor hockey (8 am in the gym), PBIS Events Planning Committee meeting (8 am in the library), PBIS Tier 2 meeting (10:44 - 11:24 conference room)
Friday (2/10): D day - Wear Bacon Gear, 2nd grade PLC (10:44 - 11:24), Kindergarten PLC (12:50 - 1:30), 5th grade PLC (2:14 - 2:54)
**Looking ahead -- Events on the horizon**
2/22 - Pizza Bingo (6 pm in the Bacon gym)
2/22 - Traveling Science Show (7 pm at Lakeside Middle School)
