Welcome to the 23-24 school year!

We are excited to share that the Wizards had an AMAZING transition into their 6th-grade year! They did such an excellent job remembering routines and expectations that it was like we were only gone for a weekend rather than two months.

One of the new schoolwide goals is for everyone to feel CONNECTED.  This goal was our main focus this week. We also have four new Wizards starting their 6th grade year with us so we wanted to make sure they and ALL students were making connections with each other. 

When we did our closing circle for the week, many students expressed positive emotions about the week but also exhaustion.  It is a big transition from home/summer expectations to having the stamina for a full and extremely busy school day.  You'll notice in the pictures that the students are often standing, moving around and outside as much as possible for team activities. We tried to build in movement AND some peaceful rest pockets each day.  We are looking forward to yet another amazing year of growth with our students! As always, if you ever have any questions, you can email us and at least one of us will respond within 24 hours. 

PS- Next week's post will have curriculum updates as well. We did start Core classes on Wednesday along with all the activities below!  For now please enjoy the beautiful weekend Mother Nature has gifted us! 

Ms. Stafford is back with us this year supporting students.

We started with circles on day 1. A common practice on our team.

Day 1: Connor got to judge the first recess lineup of the year.
Best birthday gift ever...;)

Ms. Durren one of our new Co-Principals came to talk to us about lunch expectations. 
(Students made acrostic poems to hang in the Cafeteria about the lunch expectations)

Teamwork to get those goals in place for pick-up soccer at team recess! 

Mr. Pierson, our other Co-Principal, came to talk to us about the 3Cs
(Being Caring, Curious, and Connected)

Playing Wax Museum while waiting for the busses to arrive

We continue to be able to have all 32 kids in a room for activities which really
helps us bond as a whole team and not just be two classes next door to each other. 

Team Photo

"What am I?"
Kind of like 20 questions...
Getting those brains doing some deductive reasoning in a fun way!

Students analyzed our Wizards' Values from last year to see if they aligned with the new 3Cs of the school.
They then "Mixed and Mingled" with classmates to share their ideas. 

Yes, we gave them candy but they were also making connections while having a snack. 

Basketball at team recess.

A team favorite:
Chuck the Chicken

A carousel activity where students rotated through various stations and brainstormed what
Caring, Curious, and Connected would look like, sound like, and feel like at school. 

More idea sharing and recording. 
They already know they have to defend their thinking! 

Our Student Support team became "Dr. Know-it-all"
and attempted to answer some really difficult questions posed by the students. 
Ask your kiddo about this one! 

Lots o' laughs when the kids became "Dr. Know-it-all."

"Stepping Stones"
Another teambuilding activity required both problem-solving and communication skills.