January 27 - 31

Opportunity Statement:   Coolidge Elementary will continue to provide all students with academic, social, and emotional growth opportunities through great teaching and the utilization of our community resources.  We will maintain high expectations for all students, as well as expand our efforts to cultivate a positive school culture that encourages intellectual and social growth.”

Coolidge Vision and Mission

Our Mission:  “Educate students for lifelong learning and responsible living.”

Our Vision:  “Provide a learning environment that promotes and develops academic and

social growth.”

Please wear an OKCPS shirt or Coolidge shirts this week. If you are wearing OKCPS or Coolidge you may wear jeans all week with the spirit wear shirt.

Reminders of Non-Negotiables at Coolidge Elementary School

Guided Reading - using the guided reading strategy is required at Coolidge.  You should be meeting with small groups of students DAILY.  The 90-minute reading block is a State Law for students in K - 3rd grade.

Safety:  Just a reminder - NO student should be sent to the hallway and left unattended.  This is a safety hazard and if they get hurt/leave the building you would be held responsible.  

Recess:  All students at Coolidge Elementary will have recess.  Play is essential to development because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and youth. Even if it is indoor recess students need the opportunity to play. 

For further reading on the importance of play click here.  

• Monday, Jan 27  - Kinder and 1st PLC Meetings, Preconferences for Fast & Jones.  Leadership/Technology Meeting 3:30 p.m. 
• Tuesday, Jan 28 - 4th Grade, PreK, Specials PLC, Preconference for Soller
• Wednesday, Jan 29 - Baringer Preconference
• Thursday, Jan 30 - Watford Preconference, Math In Focus Training for 4th and 1st Grade 
• Friday, Jan 31- Brett Out OAESP Conference.  100th Day of School.  
• Saturday, Feb 1 - Coolidge Early Birds

The votes are in.... Valentine's Day Party will be on Wednesday, Feb. 12th at 2:15 p.m.

Winter Reading Challenge:
Coolidge came in 20th on the Winter Reading Challenge - down from 15th in the Fall Reading Challenge.

Shout out to Ms. Fast.  60% of her students completed the challenge with at least 320 minutes.  Ms. Peck's class came in second with 52% of the students meeting the challenge.

Grade Level Percentage that Met the Reading Goal of 320 Minutes

PK had 4 turned in which is 4.44%

K had 6 turned in which is  7.23%

1st had 10 turned in which is 9.8%

2nd had 25 turned in which is 23.58%

3rd had 32 turned in which is 29.09%

4th had 28 turned in which is 20.90%.

Certified Healthy School..... Excellence Certification

Congratulations!  We are pleased to inform you that Coolidge Elementary has met the criteria to become a Certified Healthy School.  Certified Healthy School recognizes school sites that make a positive impact on the health of children and employees.  Your contribution in creating a healthy environment is important to the future of Oklahoma. 

As you know, there are three levels of certification: Basic, Merit and Excellence.  You earned the Excellence certification

Happy Birthday
January 29 - Ms. Rey, Sp Ed
January 31 - Ms. Boykin, PreK,
January 31 - Ms. Caldwell, PreK

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January 20 - 24

Opportunity Statement:   Coolidge Elementary will continue to provide all students with academic, social, and emotional growth opportunities through great teaching and the utilization of our community resources.  We will maintain high expectations for all students, as well as expand our efforts to cultivate a positive school culture that encourages intellectual and social growth.”

• Monday, Jan 20 - No School MLK Day
• Tuesday, Jan 21 - NWEA Opens 4th Grade.  PLC Meetings 4th 8:30,  PreK 11:40 - 12:05, Kinder 12:35 - 1:20, 1st  1:25 - 2:10, Specials 2:25 - 3:05. Faculty Meeting, 4th Grade to Southern Hills for Faculty Meeting after school 
• Wednesday, Jan 22 - 3rd Grade Scholastic Training Clements, McNeill.  Nurse Out.  4th Grade NWEA Math 
• Thursday, Jan. 23 - 3rd Grade Scholastic Training Pearson, Harris, Wendling.
• Friday, Jan. 24 - 3rd Grade PLC 9:15, 2nd Grade PLC 10:20
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February PD Day - the AM will be at the Cox Convention Center for Certified Employees.  You will be receiving an email with a link to sign up for the training.  After signing up be sure you print the ticket because it is REQUIRED for admittance.  If you don't bring the ticket (or have it on your cell phone) you will get to spend extra time in another line getting a new one.  I'm working on details for support staff plans and will let you know as soon as they are finalized.  The afternoon session will be at Coolidge for everyone.

Come to PLC meetings with the names of the 2 students you will be focusing on and your particular grade level goal.  Be sure to have specific strategies you plan to implement for these goals.

Evaluations:
It is time for Formal Evaluations.  Your evaluator will be sending you a pre-conference form that must be completed before the pre-conference meeting.  The plan is to observe and score elements that have not been scored before with the exception of Planning and Identifying Critical Content from the Standards.  Sign-in sheets from the ABL Lab and the STEAM room will also be checked (part of Adhering to School/District Policies and Procedures).

Upcoming Events;  We will be celebrating the 100th day of school a little early.... Friday, January 31st.  Students may come to school dressed how they think they will look at 100 years old.

Staffing for the 2020-2021 School Year.  

OKCPS will be holding job fairs a little earlier this year, which means they are looking to us to start making plans a little sooner too.  The district has sent you information about early notifications for retirement ($300) and leaving the district ($150).  We have a terrific team at Coolidge, but life happens and people need to have the opportunity to explore options.  The district will be sending letters of intent to you soon.

Happy Birthday
January 21 - Ms. Gonzalez Office
January 22 - Ms. Clements 3rd Grade
January 24 - Ms. Harris 3rd Grade

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January 13 - 17

Opportunity Statement:   Coolidge Elementary will continue to provide all students with academic, social, and emotional growth opportunities through great teaching and the utilization of our community resources.  We will maintain high expectations for all students, as well as expand our efforts to cultivate a positive school culture that encourages intellectual and social growth.”

Coolidge Vision and Mission

Our Mission:  “Educate students for lifelong learning and responsible living.”

Our Vision:  “Provide a learning environment that promotes and develops academic and

social growth.”

Mon. Jan 13 - Blue Ribbon Scholar names due to Brett by 3:00 p.m.  Kinder, 1st Grade PLC Meeting
Tues. Jan 14 - 4th Grade, 3rd Grade, 2nd Grade, PreK PLC meeting.  Lundy Out
Wed. Jan 15 - NAEP Makeup Testing A.M. for absent students. Security Drill P.M.  Tutoring Resumes
Thurs. Jan 16 - Junior Achievement K - 1st.  Brett Out Principal Meeting.  Tucker Out, Gorman out p.m., Clements out SS Meeting.  Tutoring
Fri. Jan 17 - 2nd Quarter Awards during Specials Times.  We will have regular special schedule for this day.  2:15 - 3:00 Gym or Library depending on numbers:  Blue Ribbon Scholars.  Our community partner is supplying Hot Chocolate and Brownies for students and their parents.
NO SCHOOL Mon Jan 20 MLK Day



Blue Ribbon Scholar Requirements:
3rd & 4th Grade - Perfect Attendance, Straight A's.
PreK - 2nd Grade - Perfect Attendance, 75% 3's on Standards-Based Report Card.  No 1's.

Happy Birthday
January 12 - Ms. Keys 1st Grade
January 13th - Ms. L. Watford Prek, Mr. Layman 4th Grade

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January 6 - 10

Opportunity Statement:   Coolidge Elementary will continue to provide all students with academic, social, and emotional growth opportunities through great teaching and the utilization of our community resources.  We will maintain high expectations for all students, as well as expand our efforts to cultivate a positive school culture that encourages intellectual and social growth.”

Coolidge Vision and Mission

Our Mission:  “Educate students for lifelong learning and responsible living.”

Our Vision:  “Provide a learning environment that promotes and develops academic and

social growth.”

• Jan 6 - Welcome Back!  PLC Kinder, 1st Grade.  
• Jan 7 -  PLC Meeting 4th, PreK, Specials, Group 2 ELA Training - Harden, Navarro, Dye, Fast.  1 Hour Faculty Meeting
• Jan 8 - Brett Out Principal Meeting 
• Jan 9 - Grades Due
• Jan 10 - NWEA Assessment.  PLC Meeting 2nd, 3rd

3rd Quarter Standards

As we begin the 3rd quarter it is the expectation that 2nd - 4th-grade track these standards using Mastery Connect.  We will be breaking down standards and reviewing target task alignments during our PLC meetings.

I appreciate how hard everyone is working to ensure that our students receive the best education possible.  Working with the dedicated teachers and staff makes my job so much easier. 

Rise N Shine - January

Jan 6	Curiosity	Gill
Jan 13		Hensley
Jan 20		Leeson
Jan 27		L. Watford

January 12 - Cappellero, Keys
January 13 - Layman, L. Watford
January 22 - Clements
January 24 - D, Harris
January 29 - Rey
January 31 - Boykin, Caldwell

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Dec 16 - 20

Opportunity Statement:   Coolidge Elementary will continue to provide all students with academic, social, and emotional growth opportunities through great teaching and the utilization of our community resources.  We will maintain high expectations for all students, as well as expand our efforts to cultivate a positive school culture that encourages intellectual and social growth.”

Our Mission: Coolidge Vision  “Educate students for lifelong learning and responsible living.”

Our Vision:  “Provide a learning environment that promotes and develops academic and

social growth.”

Twas the Week Before Christmas Break and all through the schools.....

• Mon. Dec. 16 - Mother Earth Program Gym for 2nd - 4th grade 9:00 -10:00 a.m.
• Tues. Dec. 17 - Santa classroom visits 9:00 a.m. PreK Program in the gym during Specials 11;40 a.m. PreK - 1st Gym 1:00 - 1:30,  2nd - 3rd 1:45 - 2:15 in gym.
• Wed. Dec. 18 - QU Wedding 9 - 10 a.m.  Honor Choir Show PK - 1 12:45 - 1:30, 2 - 4th 1:45 - 2:45 
• Thurs. Dec. 19 - Multiplication Sundae Party for 3rd and 4th Grades Cafeteria 2:00
• Fri. Dec. 20 - Holiday Parties 2:30 

3rd & 4th Grade:  MOY Benchmark Exams:

3rd and 4th grade will be taking MOY benchmark exams this week in ELA and Math.  These exams are 50 question tests similar to what they will be taking on the State Assessments.  Please encourage students to do their best and show what they know on these tests.

Monday the Mother Earth Program is for 2nd to 4th grade.  4th grade will have specials at their regular time and the 4th grade teachers will come join in the gym at 9:15.  3rd grade will have regular specials.  Coach Rehenak will take 1 PE class and 1 PE class will go to the library while 4th grade completes the project with the Mother Earth Program.

Tuesday we have a Santa who will visit classrooms starting at 9:00 a.m.  PreK has their program in the gym at 11:40 during their specials time.  PreK - 1st will leave 1 shoe in the hallway on their way to the gym at 12:45.  We will read a MyOn book together.  While we are reading the book "elves" will bring them a Candy Cane in their shoe.  1:45 2nd and third will do the same leaving a shoe in the hall, reading a book, and coming back to a candy cane in their shoe.  4th Grade will be our "elves" for the day as a Random Act of Kindness.

Wednesday is our Honor Choir shoes.

Thursday 2:00 the 3rd and 4th grade will have their multiplication sundae parties.  The sundae's will be based on what facts tests they have passed.

Friday is our last day before Winter Break.  We will be having holiday parties starting at 2:30 p.m. Please be sure you complete the Winter break checklist and have it taped to your door before you leave for break.

3rd Quarter Standards to be taught.  We will be having a 3rd Benchmark Assessment that will cover all the state department standards that are tested in the 3rd quarter for 3rd and 4th grade (possibly 2nd as well).  Please be sure you are focusing on the standards as you plan for the upcoming quarter.  Be sure you have your standard you are working on posted (large) as well as the skills necessary to meet that standard.

IStation Data - Reading and Math.  We are making improvements on our IStation Data, but we still have a long way to go.  The goal is to have a 7% increase in proficient students on our MOY assessments and on the State Assessments.  To do that we must teach to the level of the standards and make sure what we have target/task alignment on all assignments.  This is hard work, but it is important work.  All of our students can make growth, it is our job to teach them - all of them.  Our growth shows improvement - but still have a long way to gol
Reading:  Coolidge Students in the Green - Comparison September to December

Reading	September		December
Level 5	12		15
Level 4	34		45
Level 3	56		67
TOTAL	102		127

 Math - Coolidge Students in the "Green"  Comparision September to December

Math	September		December
Level 5	7		29
Level 4	36		49
Level 3	92		98
TOTAL	135		176

Viewpoints

Allison Behne

My family enjoys Disney movies, and one of our favorites is Toy Story. So, as you can imagine, when Toy Story 4 came out, we went together to see the latest adventures of Woody, Jessie, and Buzz. As the credits rolled at the end, we were quick to share our thoughts about the fourth movie in this animated series.

Two of us thought it was the best Toy Story yet, and two of us were not as impressed. We talked about the characters, plot, and ending, and I remember thinking at one point during our conversation how interesting it was that even though the four of us have the same common interest in this series, we each took away something different. Of course, the movie’s main idea and outcome were the same for all of us, but the scenes we connected to and our reflections on those scenes were very different—four people, four different viewpoints.

This is true across the board when it comes to movies, TV shows, podcasts, books, and conversations. The prior knowledge, life experiences, and purpose we bring to a situation affect how we internalize it. Every time we watch, listen to, or read something, we bring our own perspective to it, and as a result, our takeaway is unique. We do this individually all the time, and occasionally we have the opportunity to share with others. When we come together to talk and listen, we take in new perspectives and develop a deeper understanding.

Conversation is a rich learning tool when there is a collective focus, intentional listening, and a safe space for sharing thoughts and asking questions. Because of this, we believe book studies are an extremely valuable source of professional development. When a group of educators come together to learn and share, good things happen.

That is why we would like to extend an invitation to you and your colleagues to join us in a book study of our newly released book, The CAFE Book, expanded second edition.

Beginning January 7, 2020, we will spend time each Tuesday discussing a chapter of the book. We would love for you and your colleagues to be there and share in the learning! Grab a copy of the book and sign up here. You will receive an email reminder and access link before the first session. We can’t wait to learn with you!

Happy Birthday
December 20 - Ms. Rone, Music

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Dec 9 - 13

Opportunity Statement:   Coolidge Elementary will continue to provide all students with academic, social, and emotional growth opportunities through great teaching and the utilization of our community resources.  We will maintain high expectations for all students, as well as expand our efforts to cultivate a positive school culture that encourages intellectual and social growth.”

Coolidge Vision and Mission

Our Mission:  “Educate students for lifelong learning and responsible living.”

Our Vision:  “Provide a learning environment that promotes and develops academic and

social growth.”

• Mon. Dec 9 - Bring a dozen cookies to share - Faculty Lounge.  Leadership After School Kinder PLC  12:35 - 1:35, 1st 1:40 - 2:40
• Tues Dec 10 - Random Acts of Kindness - do something random and kind for a coworker.  Wear Green, no Faculty Meeting - Go Vote
• 4th PLC 8:20 - 9:15 PK - 11:40 - 12:15 Specials:  2:20 - 3:00
• Wed Dec 11 - Hot Coco in the Faculty Lounge  Captain Super Tooth.
• Thurs Dec 12 - Wear bells today Brett out Principal Meeting.  Scholastic Training in the building.  Smart Start in Bldg.  
• Fri Dec 13 -Reindeer Games.  Wear your reindeer antlers or festive headwear.
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3rd & 4th Grade Benchmark Test December 16th - 17th.  Will cover the 2nd Quarter Standards. Looking for 7% growth on Mastery.

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December 2 - 9

Opportunity Statement:   Coolidge Elementary will continue to provide all students with academic, social, and emotional growth opportunities through great teaching and the utilization of our community resources.  We will maintain high expectations for all students, as well as expand our efforts to cultivate a positive school culture that encourages intellectual and social growth.”

Welcome Back!  I hope everyone had a terrific Thanksgiving Break and is ready to make this a December to Remember!

Coolidge Smart Goals:
0% of our ELL students and 0% of our SpEd students were proficient on the OSTP last year.  Our Goal is for at least 7% to be proficient on the state test for each of those subgroups.  We have to work together for that to happen.  That means - CHANGING what we are doing to meet those needs.

 To meet these goals we have smaller goals that we can achieve each quarter. For K - 1st Grade our SMART goal is for students to have a 7% increase in their IStation assessments.

• Monday: December 2  Kinder PLC 12:35 - 1:35, 1st Grade PLC 1:40 - 2:40.  Please come with your computer and all the necessary materials.  Leadership Meeting 3:30
• Tuesday: December 3 -  Please come with your computer and all the necessary materials.4th Grade PLC, LockOut Drill, PreK PLC, Specials PLC, 1 Hour PD after school.  
• Wednesday: December 4 - Papa John's Pizza.
• Thursday: December 5 - PreK Jones and Watford to Rockwood for observations.
• Friday:  December 6 9:15 Please come with your computer and all the necessary materials.3rd Grade PLC, 10:20 2nd Grade PLC

TLE will be doing another walkthru in our building next week to see if we are indeed using the standards to teach.  While they are in your room they will be looking for your standards (that must be written exactly as the State Standard says, as well as your rubric or success criteria (or I can statements).  Students could be asked if they know what they are working on - and why they are working on it. It will be in the afternoon - but just because it is after lunch and/or recess doesn't mean that the learning day is over.   Dr. Morris will be checking for target task alignment - is what you are asking students to do aligned with what the task is they are working on.  Here are some excellent examples of Standards from Rockwood Elementary.  They are large, placed in the room where students can see them, and the teacher frequently referred to them throughout her lesson.  These are from PreK - 1st-grade classes.  These are "our kids" - we share students from Rockwood all the time.  Our kids can do this too - but first we must believe they are capable and help them believe they are capable too.
While you may not have been to the Jan Richardson 2nd training YET, everyone in this building has been trained on Standards-Based Instruction.  Jan Richardson just has some excellent tools that will help us meet our school-wide goals.
Coolidge 2nd Quarter Goal
Every child will grow in reading and math at least 7% as measured by IStation on the December assessment.

MORRIS Group - 2nd Quarter Standards Focus Week of December 2nd:

• ELA Students will describe the structure of a text (e.g., description, compare/contrast, sequential, problem/solution, cause/effect) with guidance and support.
• Math: Recognize when to round numbers and apply understanding to round numbers to the nearest ten thousand, thousand, hundred, and ten and use compatible numbers to estimate sums and differences.

Read the Book with Prompting....  The Next Step Forward in Guiding Reading  By Jan Richardson
TIP:  Do not have students read the book chorally or round-robin.  This limits the amount of text they read and impedes independence.
TIP:  If you notice two students reading the same page, have one student go to the previous page and read it to you.
TIP:  If you have to introduce more than five words, the book is too difficult.  Choose another book.
ELL TIP:  Children learning English will likely need help during the discussion.  Provide sentence starters and scaffold their language.  Be encouraging and supportive but make sure students do most of the talking.

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• 3rd and 4th Grade.... How are your students doing earning their Ice Cream Sundae?
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• The Power of Positive Parent Communication

  Jen McDonough

  Issue #593
  It is important to have positive, supportive relationships with the parents of our students. When parents and teachers work together, children grow stronger academically and behaviorally. I always knew that, but a recent email that a friend of mine received solidified this belief for me.

  I just wanted to drop you a brief note to tell you how impressed I am with your daughter. She is showing wonderful leadership skills in class. During group work, she keeps her team on task and helps to scaffold the students who need extra assistance. I am continually impressed with the answers and observations that she makes in class, and her involvement in our projects has been stellar. Thank you for being supportive parents who have raised her with an attitude of success!

  Now, I agree that this kind of email can make your day, but my friend has been getting emails like this since her daughter started school. So, I decided to investigate.
  Her daughter’s teacher had taken over for another teacher midway through the school year. She had just graduated, and this was her first teaching experience in her own classroom. She sent this email after teaching for only two weeks!
  Let’s think for a minute about what was going on in this young teacher’s life. She’d just embarked on her first teaching job, taking over an already-established classroom. Yet she took the time to reach out and start a relationship with the parent of one of her students. My friend is now ready to jump in and support this teacher when needed. She said it wasn’t the content of the email as much as this teacher taking the time to get to know her daughter so quickly, and honestly sharing her observations with the family.
  It is easy to overlook the value of parent communication during this hectic time of year. But this interaction serves as a good reminder of how important it is. There are many easy and quick ways to connect:
  • a brief email about what you’ve noticed or appreciated about the child so far
  • a note tucked into a backpack
  • stopping the parent at pickup or drop-off to mention something positive that happened with their child recently.
  • an encouraging message written on student work
  • a quick text or message left on a cell phone
  Gail often talks about how kids are like ATMs. If we don’t make deposits, it is hard to make a withdrawal. This idea applies to parents as well. Share positive communication throughout the year to develop relationships with parents. The effect will last the entire year and beyond.
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  Happy Birthday
• December 1 - Coach Barton, P.E., Ms. Wendling 4th Grade
• December 7 - Ms. Baringer, PreK
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