Kemp - Brazile 1/16

Parents-

 

We're almost through our week here at Kemp (and everywhere else too). The kids are really into the new units. I'm glad to see them enthusiastic about learning. I know they're really enthusiastic about trying to blow up a mini light bulb, but they're learning while they're doing that. I've tried to incorporate a decent bit of humor into the Science unit and engaging projects in the Social Studies. The bad part of all this is I've included a lot of good instructional videos to enhance the unit. Due to firewall restrictions that seem to change weekly and Apple's decision to hate Flash programs, several of our videos aren't showing up at school. I've asked the kids to check them out at home if they're able. I'm covering the material in my "talks" with them and it's covered through multiple resources that are working. However, they're great resources so I'd encourage them to watch them in their free time sometime before the unit ends.

 

I'm attaching a newsletter from "Love and Logic." For those unfamiliar, they encourage parents and educators to use love and logic to guide our kids/students. I've been to trainings and seminars for this and listened to most of their CDs (I won the set at my first seminar). Great stuff, even if it does sound hokey. There are good snippets in most of their newsletters and this week's had a couple I really like. They encourage: "loving kids enough to let them make affordable mistakes, rather than trying to micromanage them into success…loving kids enough to place most of our emphasis on teaching character, compassion, and problem solving rather than teaching to the test…loving kids enough to hold them accountable for their choices…loving them enough to build them up in their areas of strength, so that they have the energy to face their areas of weakness." Too often we, as parents and educators, get caught up in making sure the kids get the right answers. How many times have we gotten frustrated sitting with our own kids, wondering why they won't just write something like we're telling them or "just add those together!" Kids don't learn by being told what to do, they have to experience it, they have to try. There will be failure to some degree, but we want those moments to be learning opportunities – for them to learn how to bounce back, how to solve a problem. The kids won't learn unless we give them the opportunity. It's tough to watch our kids struggle. If you don't believe I understand, try sitting with Slade doing homework or even worse – learning to ride a bike. It tests my patience and as much as I wish he'd take my wisdom – he has to experience it and struggle. The learning will be more meaningful and their sense of accomplishment so much greater.

 

So, jump on this bandwagon, keep your arms and legs in at all times, enjoy the ride – bumps and all. Your kids are amazing and I hope you're seeing as much growth as I am.

 

Thanks,

Shane Brazile

 

PS – Don't forget school's out next Monday!

 

 

 

 

From: Love and Logic Institute, Inc. [mailto:reply@loveandlogicnews.com]
Sent: Wednesday, January 15, 2014 12:30 PM
To: Shane Brazile
Subject: [MARKETING] A Controversial Approach to Education

 

Those of us who've been in education long enough to see the pendulum swing…six months or longer…have noticed that there's always something "new" on the horizon, promising to elevate the scholastic bar…as well as the achievement of our nation's youth.   After each "new" program, approach, or mandate, it seems that we remember…as King Solomon so aptly recognized…that there is nothing truly new under the sun.   Perhaps it's time to get more focused on something really old: Love.   Of course, I'm not talking about romantic love. I'm not talking about wishy-washy-wimpy love. I'm talking about…   loving kids enough to provide warmth and empathy, regardless of how they act, how well they learn, or how bright they are…   loving kids enough to let them make affordable mistakes, rather than trying to micromanage them into success…   loving kids enough to place most of our emphasis on teaching character, compassion, and problem solving rather than teaching to the test…   loving kids enough to hold them accountable for their choices…   loving them enough to build them up in their areas of strength, so that they have the energy to face their areas of weakness.   Darrell Scott can attest to the precious nature of each and every moment we spend with the children and students under our care. His daughter was shot and killed at Columbine High School, and he's devoted his life to helping schools around the globe develop cultures of respect and compassion.   This summer…at our Love and Logic retreat…Darrel and I will share why love is so essential to academic achievement and how we as parents and educators can realize its true potential.   For more tips on this topic watch "Hope for Underachieving Kids" DVD.   Thanks for reading! Our goal is to help as many families as possible. If this is a benefit, forward it to a friend.   Dr. Charles Fay     2013 - 2014 Events Don't miss Dr. Charles Fay in Atlanta, GA on Monday, 1/20/14 or Jim Fay & Dr. Charles Fay in Newport Beach, CA on Tuesday, 2/4 Graduate-level credit and CEU's are available. Register online or call 800-338-4065. If we're not in your city, check out a Love and Logic On-Demand Webinar or find a facilitator teaching parenting classes in your area.      Featured Selection   Build next summer's family vacation around the: Love and Logic Educator & Parent Retreat This June join us at Copper Mountain Resort, one of America's favorite get-a-ways, offering fun-filled activities for the whole family. Visit this page or call 800-338-4065 for more information.   For helpful tips, special promotions, and event announcements, join Love and Logic® on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube. Funny Parenting Stories and Funny Stories from the Classroom: amusing audios available for your listening pleasure, compliments of Love and Logic. Visit this page to download and enjoy.   © 2013 Love and Logic Institute, Inc. All copyright infringement laws apply. Permission granted for forwarding and/or for a single photocopy or electronic reproduction of one email tip only. Please do not alter or modify. For more information, call the Love and Logic Institute, Inc. at 800-338-4065.   View as Web Page

 

Love and Logic Institute, Inc.  •  2207 Jackson St  •  Golden, CO 80401 http://www.loveandlogic.com

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Note: "This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by telephone and/or e-mail." "This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer."

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Kemp - Brazile 1/10/2014

Parents-

 

Made it through another Friday. Report cards are coming home today. There’s a signature card attached to the front. Please sign that for the second quarter and return to me.

 

On the report card, there’s a sticker in the 2^nd quarter comment section. That’s the student’s Spanish marks.

 

We’ll be working on Measurement standards in Math next week, so they will all have the same skills to work on with IXL. There will be a skills test Friday covering conversion of metric measurements. All Science and Social Studies projects that showed as due this past week will be due Monday.

 

Have a great weekend!

Shane Brazile

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Note: “This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by telephone and/or e-mail." “This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”

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FW: Wednesday's Menu

 

 

From: Christina Williamson
Sent: Tuesday, January 07, 2014 8:17 AM
To: DL-KMP-STAFF
Subject: Wednesday's Menu

 

Good morning!

 

On Wednesday, we will serve Tuesday’s menu of Chicken Sandwich, Cheese Garlic Bread, and Peanut Butter or Yogurt Plate.

 

Please let your students know of the change. J

 

Thanks!

 

Christy Williamson

Kemp Elementary School

Food Service Manager

(678) 594-8159

“This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”

 

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Note: “This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by telephone and/or e-mail." “This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”

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Kemp - Brazile 12/20

Parents –

 

What’s the last day before break without drama? In case you weren’t aware, your kids are crazy…but I’m ok with crazy. Compared to years past, they’re not too bad, but don’t tell them I said that. Very excited though and ready for a break.

 

A small issue has come to my attention about the online grades. It seems as if I’ve created a little glitch. I changed the weighting and categories this quarter in a couple subject areas. Apparently, it’s messed up the quarter grades for the first quarter. It’s very obvious in Math, because if you go on you’ll see they all have a zero for the 1^st quarter. I know a work around but wanted to allay any fears if you go on before I make it active. I love technology, but hate it too sometimes.

 

Another piece of drama, this one a little more yucky. There’s a nasty holiday stomach bug going around. So, be on the lookout for symptoms. Otherwise, “Deck the Halls” will take on a whole new meaning for you. Trust me, I was there last Sunday with my oldest son…he decked the halls, the floor, the bathroom….

 

So, switching gears a little. The kids will be all yours in a couple hours. I hope you all have a great holiday. Thanks again to everyone and their incredible thoughtfulness and generosity.

 

Shane Brazile

 

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Note: “This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by telephone and/or e-mail." “This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”

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Kemp - Brazile 12-19

Parents,

 

Before I jump into the happenings in our classroom, I would like to say “Thank you” to Daniella DeFoor. She coordinated our Holiday party yesterday and it was a big hit. I think it’s fairly obvious that it’s not my area of expertise to organize and decorate for parties, so all efforts to make it go smoothly are greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks also go out to all of the parents who attended to share the event with our class. I know it’s rough, especially this time of year, to give your time and gifts. It’s appreciated by me.

 

The kids finished the “Hour of Code” week. They’ve really had fun with it and I’ll send out the certificates today. I hope they continue experimenting with what they’ve learned.

 

As I wrap up this week, we’re also wrapping up the second quarter and, in turn, the first semester. I am putting the final grades on about 3,770 individual assignments for this quarter. I’m ball-parking that we’ve completed about 6,000 assignments this year. That’s an incredible number. It shows just how hard working your fifth grader has been. The growth I’ve seen so far is incredible. I hope you’ve seen a growth in responsibility and independence at home. It says a lot about the parents too, that the kids are growing so much. They can’t grow if they’re not given the room and the opportunity. They’re doing well and I hope you’re as proud of them for these accomplishments as I am.

 

I’ve designed a class that’s outside the box and can be uncomfortable for many whose background is traditional education. I thank you all for being so supportive and open to what can be done. I truly believe that the kids can do so much more than what they think they can do. The key is unlocking their potential . While we’ll still continue experiencing “growing pains,” we’ll also see tremendous growth as the kids mature. I am lucky to have such an eager class and I’m so excited about the third quarter units. I hope that they’re entertaining to keep them engaged and interesting to help them learn. Creating an engaging unit for the kids is one of the most fun parts of my job. A close second is seeing them turn red from dancing in class.

 

I’ve gotten many gifts from you all and they’re very appreciated. I see by the gifts that I may need to re-evaluate my habits and some of the stories I tell. Apparently, my honey bun addiction is obvious to all but me. And I have way too many pets.

 

Please have a safe and happy holiday season. Enjoy the break with your family, as I plan to enjoy every second with mine.

Thanks,

Shane Brazile

 

 

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Note: “This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by telephone and/or e-mail." “This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”

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FW: Holiday Illness Guidelines and Illness Tracking

Parents-

 

I’m sending home a message from our school nurse, along with an attachment.

 

 

“Dear Staff,

 

It’s that time of year. I’m tracking all strep, chicken pox and flu cases. Please let me know of confirmed cases in your class.

 

Please send the attached document home today.

 

Thanks for everything you do. Stay well “

                                       

 

Also, please check out the following links for Six Flags Reading Program. Kids who complete the program will receive a free admission into Six Flags. This should be completed and returned to me by February 1^st.

 

• Read to Succeed Reading Log (English)
• Read to Succeed Reading Log (Spanish)
• Parent Letter (English)
• Parent Letter (Spanish)

 

Thanks and have a great weekend!

Shane Brazile

 

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Note: “This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by telephone and/or e-mail." “This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”

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FW: Giving Tree

 

 

Parents,

 

Thank you so much for helping out this year with the Kemp Giving Tree.  We are pleased to announce that all of the paw prints have been taken off the tree.  We want to remind you that all gifts are due by Friday, December 13.  Please place your unwrapped gift with the paw print attached to the gift under the tree by Friday afternoon.

 

Thank you!

 

Jenni Briggs

Professional School Counselor

Kemp Elementary

678-594-8158 ext. 232

 

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Note: “This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by telephone and/or e-mail." “This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”

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Kemp - Brazile 12/12

Parents –

 

·         Holiday Lunch reminder. Tomorrow for 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th. Brazile’s lunch time 11:20a – 12:05p.

·         Kids working hard on WWI unit projects.

 

Only a week to go before the winter break. The kids are wrapping up the Social Studies unit for WWI. We’ll have the unit test next week.

 

Next week will be hectic with the excitement and so much to cover within the week. We’ll test as normal in Math with our computation and problem solving tests. After the break, I’ll reassess them on math skills. We’ll have tests the next Friday too, but I’ll increase the number of dropped tests because the scores might be lower due to the excitement over the break. Having them, though, gives them the opportunity to raise their average.

 

We’ll finish up Lois Lowry’s Gathering Blue. The kids seem to love it and we’ll pick up with her next novel, The Messenger, after the break. I only have one copy of this book, but it’s a great story for the kids to hear. If you want a copy for your child to follow along with, feel free to pick one up (or download digitally).

 

Please note the holiday lunch time above because it’s different from their normal lunch time.

 

Have a good weekend,

Shane Brazile

 

 

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Note: “This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by telephone and/or e-mail." “This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”

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Kemp - Brazile 12/6

Parents-

 

Busy week. Seemed to go by quickly. Kids have been working hard on the new Social Studies unit – WWI, Jazz Age, and the Great Depression. We’re not starting another true Science unit until after winter break. We will be experimenting and writing up those experiments though. If you’re able (I don’t need 26 of each of these), but we could use various paper towel rolls (half of the roll is fine) and/or toilet paper rolls. If you can label the brand, that would be great. We’ll be comparing these, so the more variation, the better.

 

Also,

The following is a list of the school wide fund raising days.  A $1.oo donation for each day of participation is greatly appreciated.

 

Monday – Hat Day/Holiday Hat Day

Tuesday – Pajama Day

Wednesday – We will be going to the Symphony  from 10:00 – 2:00 on this day, so have your child wear his/her class t-shirt.  The permission slip for this was the Performing Arts permission slip that most of you have already turned in. 

Thursday – Favorite Decade Day

Friday – 7:15 – 8:00 – Holiday Bazaar – all items $1.00 and Crazy Holiday Hair Day for fifth grade only (the rest of the school will do the crazy hair day on Wednesday)

 

Please let me know if you have any questions.

 

Have a great weekend,

Shane Brazile

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Note: “This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by telephone and/or e-mail." “This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”

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FW: blind diabetes class

A note from our school nurse

 

From: Cynthia Scurry
Sent: Wednesday, Dec…ember 04, 2013 8:47 AM
To: DL-KMP-STAFF
Subject: blind diabetes class

 

FYI – Share with friends and family.

 

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Note: “This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by telephone and/or e-mail." “This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”

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