In Touch

The results are in.... Thank you to everyone who took the survey, and shared your thoughts with me on how I can improve the weekly In touch newsletter. It takes me 60-90 minutes each weekly to put the newsletter together, and I usually do my best work in the mornings, so I get up around 4 a.m. to work on it, on Monday mornings. I have received some valuable feedback and insight to help keep all of us informed. I also received some valuable feedback on making sure that I edit and proof my messages to you. As most of you know, I verbally process things, and often ideas just come flooding out of my mouth, then, when I transfer it to type, it may just run on and on. This reasoning doesn't make it right, but it is definitely something I can improve on. Thank you for being patient with me as I work on this area. When I was in graduate school I had to write at least 2 papers per week, (for 2.5 years, between my 2 masters degrees). I had to use APA style, and they had to be very concise, no opinions, or fluff. I felt like I had lost my voice during that time, and the way that I write now, maybe I found too much voice!! LOL! I will work on this, and I thank you for your time and supports!

PS: One comment was to keep the In Touch shorter,,,, sorry, this one is a little longer, I feel it is important to share with you the results of the survey, so we all know where we are headed. I will work on the future In Touch's though.

Results:

Do you find value in the weekly newsletter? overall 3 or higher - yes

What would you like to read or see more of in the In touch... (Results are in the picture below). One thing I noticed as I was figuring out this school year, I was grasping for any P.D. to share with you all from; direct instruction, classroom management, reading supports, etc. As we have created our action map together based on my observations, data, and your requests for P.D., we have narrowed the P.D field to 7 habits training, along with tier 1 and tier 3 trainings. Next year the In touch will have embedded P.D. based on those components, rather than random P.D. There will be a scaffolded review from trainings and new information to watch to help guide us. I'm excited for this streamlined focus! I will have a dedicated business items section and a mixture of other sections like the shout outs, and students sections, you noted that you liked.

Other things you would like more of in the Weekly In touch...
Most everyone liked it how it is, and gave kind feedback here with positive affirmations, thank you for those! Also, some suggested times next to the calendar items, I can add this, I think that is a great idea, thank you for that!

What could be changed- or less of?
Of the responses, there were 4 that requested that the In Touch be a little shorter. Without the fluff, there were 9 who noted to keep it the way it is, and others who were neutral- no comment but noted they liked it. I will try my best to accommodate and take in account the feedback, making sure to not add fluff to just add it. My goal is to share a newsletter that is easy to read, entertaining, informational, and uplifting as well.

When there are embedded professional development, I watch the videos or read the articles, and find the information useful? This was a mixed response, some do and some don't. (see my comments above)

I find the calendar of events useful?- 100% yes

I feel that I can ask questions and reach Corynn by knowing her schedule and ways to reach out to her? One rating noted a level 2, the rest were 3-5 with the majority at a 5. The comments noted that you like seeing my schedule, and know how to reach me, via texting, emails, dropping in, or calling me. Please feel free to reach me with the method you are most comfortable with, but please know I'm here for you, and there isn't a question or need that is trivial!!


Thank you all for taking the survey, your feedback will help me to grow and provide the necessary things you would like. I appreciate all the comments and suggestions, and I will work on making some of those changes, as it works in our newsletter!! I believe in growth, and there isn't any comfort in a growth zone, so, for now, I will try my best and put for the efforts to make these changes, and keep sharing the things you have liked.

I hope you have an amazing week!! I can't wait to see you all soon, Corynn

**Please remember our behavior Heir-achy- if you do need to send a student to me, or have a meeting, please do so, we are all in this together. You also have the intervention team's support too.

Here are students to really keep pushing and keep connecting with for the next 20+ days.....

A side note- As I analyzed Acadience data last week I noticed all the kids who are on our student connections, and are on behavior contracts with positive supports made huge gains!!! Some of them even went from red to blue. For many of these students boundaries = love, and love= learning, and learning= doors opening for them!!

*Hannah, Blake, Jacob T. - need positive affirmations and positive statement said to them, guidance and talking to on difficult situations, loving guidance, help with skill building.

*Titan - reverted a little bit, needs love and hugs, is craving physical touch like holding his hand, patting him on the shoulders, back, a warm fuzzy on his head. He is craving this right now.

*Rhonda- needs hugs and to know she is loved. She is sad and craves affections. Needs time to process too.

*Jessica H.- needs support from when people are being mean, she needs leadership positions and acceptance from peers. Help set up peer play settings, lunch settings too.

Zoee --*Bradwisch- She needs to know there are adults that care.

Paul- *Norris- Notice him, notice the things he's doing, and let him know we care about him.

Katrina-- Darrington- She needs people to acknowledge her, to know she's there and she matters.

Dominic- Added back on, he's doing great with adult relationships, needs support to create kid relationships- please help guide him.

*AnnaBelle- Richards, She needs to be seen and listened too, but she will be very quiet, just a sweet "Good morning" everyday will help.

*Dalton -

* new ones have the astrick in front of their names. It's making a difference!!!

I have taken some off, please keep reaching out to them, and know they are doing soooooo much better!!

OTHER??? - please submit a students name that you know could use more of all of our love!

Here is our form for any questions:

https://goo.gl/forms/jme7OeWcel1P1KOy2

There are also pink cards in the faculty room to send in questions if you prefer paper and pencil method versus technology. Just get the pink card to me however works for you.

As always call, text, or email as well.

Email: corynn.arehart@besd.net
Website: www.mckinley.besd.net
Phone: 435-740-1315
Facebook: facebook.com/mckinleyelementary
Twitter: @corynn_arehart