Beginning this spring, the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) will replace the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS).  The new STAAR program at grades 3 – 5 will assess the same subjects and grades previously assessed on TAKS:  Grade 3 tests Reading and Math; Grade 4 tests Reading, Math, and Writing; Grade 5 tests Reading, Math, and Science.  You can go to the TEA website to learn more about each test and to look at sample questions to familiarize yourself with the design and format of the new STAAR assessments:

http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/STAAR/

Your learner and your classroom leader are working each day on the state curriculum, specifically, the student expectations found in the state curriculum (TEKS) at each grade level.  While we have no way of knowing really what to expect, we have great faith in our learners, in the work and preparations they are doing, and in the daily effective teaching practices in our classrooms.  As I remind all of us frequently:  Plan your work; work your plan; autograph your work with personal excellence.  I have no doubt they will produce their personal best results when the new testing dust clears.  Please let us know when you have questions and we’ll do our best to find answers with you.

Our staff knows I appreciate a great joke, a funny cartoon, or a cute saying, so a teacher handed me a cartoon this morning to start my day.  The picture shows a child talking with the teacher at the beginning of the day and saying:  “My dog ate my homework and it got arithmeTICs.”  🙂  Honestly, some of the math problems I see our learners working gives me the eye-twitch!

So yesterday morning while unloading cars and buses, our first grade friends were carrying in their Arctic Animal Projects–not one first grader said “the dog ate my homework!”  Their enthusiasm for everything they learned during this project fascinated me, so I took some time today to ask some questions about their work.  One child shared how they were each given an Arctic animal (everything from polar bears and killer whales to harp seals and walruses) to “talk about and report back to the class on; we had to use details!”  🙂 Another friend commented about doing “research in our library book–do you know how to check out a book in the library and do researching, Mrs. Van?” 🙂  Another learner chimed in to say, “it’s all about the facts and the pictures; little kids need pictures so they get it.”  🙂  Another first grader summarized it this way:  “We had to share facts, important ones and not silly ones; we had to answer questions our friends asked us during our class talk like, ‘Who are the predators? – or – How do they survive the cold?’ and then we showed our stuff to everyone.”  🙂  As you can see from the pictures, they are extensive projects.  One friend summed it up best though when asked about this work:  “I think this homework was cool, Mrs. Van–get it? Cool!!” 🙂  Although I agree, I think it’s especially COOL to see young learners share so much knowledge with each other!

The first edition of The Miller Bell newspaper is on its way!  An industrious group of fifth grade learners came up with the amazing idea of creating an elementary school newspaper written by students for the students of LaRue Miller Elementary.  Their enthusiastic sponsor, Mrs. Campbell, states:  “There are several sections they plan to include in each edition.  They have articles written such as a central cover story, sports news from the gym, funny jokes, a ‘Kindergarten Korner,’ a Miller Staff interview, current events, Miller fashion trends, and even a ‘Dear Mrs. Van’ question and advice column.”  (You just never know what advice I may give either!) 🙂

The news team includes (bottom row from left to right):  Baylee, Autumn, Macee, Kamren, and Madeline; (top row):  Megan, RaeAnn, Madi, Haley; (not pictured):  Sierra, Morgan, and Anna.

We will post the new Miller Bell on our campus website each time it is published so you can enJOY their work as well.  Bravos to these extraordinary writers and their sponsor for sharing a dream as well as their campus perspective in a brilliant way . . . their voices ring loud and clear here at LME!

Today was a day of celebration and appreciation.  Mrs. Miller was on hand to help with the festivities.  Our wonderful PTO provided a really scrumptious luncheon of soups, salads, breads, and dessert.  Thanks to our parents and volunteers who cooked and shared valuable time to nourish our staff!  Special thanks to Angela and Lori for coordinating food!

We also celebrated the work of our MISD School Board by sharing time with Mr. Tom Moore.  He joined our Student Honor Council for lunch, a special student tour, and a huge bag of handmade accolades for a job well done (created by the students and staff of our appreciative campus).  Thanks, Mr. Moore, and all our MISD Trustees for your valuable time, talents, gifts, and service on behalf of all of us!  Please join us; thank a Board member today!

I had a blessed conversation with a mentor of mine (and to many) this week, LaRue Miller.  As you know, she is an extraordinary communicator by example.  She always encourages those around her to know their story, communicate their story, and do what another great writer and mentor of mine says:  “Lead with your story.”  As we often do, we discussed a particular school concern of mine and she commented, “it sounds like communication is really the problem; you know what you need to do now.”  🙂

At LaRue Miller Elementary, we believe good communication and collaboration builds trust.  Communication, after all, is depositing a part of your personal self into the other person.  For example, when a staff member visits with a parent, perceptions are created.  We know perceptions are reality for each of us, therefore, our words and actions should reflect our best efforts.  Sometimes, we miss the mark or miscommunicate our message.  Regardless if it is an email, a phone call, a text, a conference, or other interaction, please remember we are not perfect.  If you walk away questioning, please visit with us again so we can do a better job of communicating and problem solving the situation together.  Everyone deserves some grace and a second chance . . .

Mrs. Miller also says to “be who you really are and do what you need to do in order to have what you need and want in life.”  After all, “the goal is simple…to help you achieve yours.”  May her words of wisdom continue to ring proudly throughout the hallways of her namesake.  Thanks, Mrs. Miller, for articulating it so well; we love you!

Starry, starry day…in the second grade hallway right now.  SNOWkidding!  In the dark of each early morning as I do my initial facility walk-about before most everyone arrives (with the exception of Juanie and a few early bird teachers), I am currently enJOYing the beautiful winterscape awaiting me at the end of the long walk.  Second grade learners have completely “snowed” their ceiling in beautiful flakes and twinkling lights to set the tone for a soothing, inspirational walk-about experience!  I asked a learner why:  “Well, you see, our teachers want to save electricity so they came up with this idea to give us twinkle lights in the hall instead; it saves, you know.”  🙂  Another friend shared:  “Actually, it shows off our work better because you have to really get close to see it.”  🙂  Finally, a third helper added:  “It makes us smile; I hope the starry day stays until spring at least!”  🙂  Anyway you see it, here’s hoping you stop by the second grade hallway soon to enJOY the view.  SNOWkidding . . . you’ll be glad you did!