Redbird Roundup, Vol 11
Friday, October 26, 2018
Principal's Greeting
Happy Friday Norris Staff!
I hope everyone enjoyed their three day weekend. We are certainly coming off of an amazing high of distributing over 870 iPads and opening up our building for conferences. It was a long, but wonderful 2 days.
I am seeing some incredible technology integration in classes. It is not always easy, but you are jumping in feet first! I have included pictures from Ms. Hansen and Ms. Naeve, who used their devices to explore their HMH Collections and Scholastic; Mrs. Swanson who used Seesaw to help her science students learn about where the foods they eat come from; and Mr. Kennedy who used ChatterPix to enable his kids to present on a book they read.
Next week we have our monthly NAC meeting on Monday, and peer observations being completed all week. There are also two great after school opportunities to celebrate Day of the Dead on Tuesday with RASA, and Friday with all Norris. See the calendar below for details.
Have a great weekend!
Dr. Carr
October 29-November 2
All week- Peer Observations on Cooperative Learning
Monday, October 29- NAC Meetings after school, begin in library
Tuesday, October 30-RASA Day of the Dead Celebration 6-8 p.m.
Wednesday, October 31-Principal's Roundtable, 7 a.m. in room 129; Girls Swim vs. Lewis and Clark at Norris
Thursday, November 1-Schedule Committee Meeting After School; Tentative VILS Parent Night
Friday, November 2- Movie Night at Norris ("Coco"), 6:30 p.m.
Staff Introductions
Viri Almanza
Name: Viridiana Almanza (Ms. Viri)
How many years have you been teaching?
-I have been working in the nonprofit sector and with youth for five years.
What is your favorite thing about Norris Middle School?
--The energy, the passion, and everyone’s Redbird spirit! I love that everyone is welcoming and wants the best for the students. It truly is an amazing school.
What is one of your favorite quotes?
Paulo Coelho:
-When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.
-Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure.
Fredrich Nietzsche:
- The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself.
What’s your favorite indoor/outdoor activity?
-I love playing soccer, trying to foods, traveling, and reading!
What chore do you absolutely hate doing?
-I hate sweeping and moping
If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what age would it be? 24
When you have 30 minutes of free-time, how do you pass the time? --Reading, watching movies, or on social media
If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? Tell my parents to quit their job, get myself a financial advisor, donate money to my favorite nonprofits, and buy my Norris kids ONE thing the wanted.
Sweet or salty? And what food is your favorite in that category?
Both!! I love chips XXHot Cheetos and Flamin Hot Lays, and I love cheesecake
Veronica Switzer
Name: Veronica Switzer
How many years have you been teaching? 9 years youth work
What is your favorite thing about Norris Middle School? The pride in our school community
What is one of your favorite quotes? “Revolution starts inside the mind of a child.” -Immortal Technique
What’s your favorite indoor/outdoor activity? Bike Riding
What chore do you absolutely hate doing? Mopping
When you have 30 minutes of free-time, how do you pass the time? Trolling Facebook (it’s terrible) or cleaning my house
If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? Send my mom on an amazing vacation
What TV show would you binge watch if you had the time? Broad City
What could you give a 40 minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation? Childbirth! I’m also a Doula!!
Sweet or salty? And what food is your favorite in that category? Salty. Popcorn the way I make it (nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, dill, salt and butter)
Powerful Practices
Stations
Engagement/Relevance
Honors Special Projects Passion Projects
Cross-Classroom Collaboration
Creating Relevance/Engagement
Professional Learning
Norris Staff and Students Seen and Heard
Conferences and iPad Rollout
No Place for Hate Trip to Valas
Congrats Varsity Football!
Grassroots Hispanic Leadership Development
Take Flight Mentoring Day
Congrats to UNO Honor Choir!
8C Pumpkin Deocrating Contest
NJHS Keeping Omaha Beautiful!
Redbird Alumni
Check out this story on WOWT about Ximena Anguiano, a former Redbird, and her amazing initiative!
https://www.wowt.com/content/news/Students-idea-links-local-communities-through-food-498063221.html