Testing is finished

Hello,


We finished our Smarter Balanced practice testing yesterday.  Thank you to the tech department for all of their hard work in making that happen.  They were able to convert our library and music rooms into computer labs.  They deserve a little rest after all of that set up and take down. 


Our class spent time in a couple of different classrooms while I was with our two testers.  Upon picking up the students after one of our testing sessions, I allowed the teacher's aide on duty an extra five minutes to give them a little instruction on the "Thriller" dance.  The adults in the building who did the dance during the talent show have become minor celebrities. 


We heard some big news today.  Next year, HBS will become a school with inclusive classrooms.  That means that special education students and gifted/talented students will no longer be pulled for educational classes.  Students receiving RTI support will no longer leave the classroom either.  I'm not sure how it will all work, but I've started to do my homework.  Many teachers met for hours after school today discussing the possibilities. 


Our manners banquet is on Friday at 12:30.  We walked and talked a lot of manners today.  Maybe you'll notice a difference at the dinner table tonight.  We're hoping that kids can dress up a bit on Friday.  Nothing too special, but hopefully we'll go easy on the T-shirts and jeans.  I'll be wearing a tie.  Thank you to all of the volunteers helping to put this together.


I've had the sniffles all day, so I'm going home to eat some soup and go to bed.  (After I read a couple of chapters from 4 different books.) 


Thanks for reading,


Mr. Shea