August 25, 2015

It appears that the school year is off to an incredible start. Thanks for all you do to engage students in learning.

Head's Up

Decided to brand Wednesday visits to buildings - What's Up Wednesdays! Having a teen-aged daughter can affect your judgment. I'm heading out to Elm Tree and Ardis Ann this week.
First Friday's coming up on September 4 - this month's theme is Sugar Creek Days.
Mark your calendars for Tinkerfest at the Amazeum on October 10. Amazeum Field Trips start the week before Tinkerfest.
Start getting ready for EdcampNWA 2.0 October 17th.

@bps community

Check out our new app!

Download it from the Apple App Store on Google Play.
Send in those story ideas, newsworthy items, and special events here.

Grants and PD

Not sure if KNWA will be doing the Brightest Classroom grants this year, but click the link to register. It can mean $500 for you to use in your classroom. We received a number of these last year.

Don't forget about Donor's Choose when looking for items to add to your classroom. When you sign up the link can be easily shared with the community. 

Thanks to all who participated in #bpseduchat last Tuesday. We had a great first day discussion. Next Tuesday, September 1st we're expecting a visit from AJ Juliani to discuss plans for innovation and student engagement. #bpseduchat is every other Tuesday at 8:30 pm

Video of the week

Enjoy your week.

August 18, 2015

Welcome back!

This is your digital Tuesday Folder. I had a number of requests to send my weekly blog to all staff, so here it is. I do my best to keep it short and informative. Most of the time there will be four sections: Head's up, Grants and Professional Learning, @bps community, and video of the week. Comments are always welcome on the content of this blog. Along the right side I share blogs, articles and book recommendations, feel free to suggest additions.

Head's up

In this section, I'll try to give you advance notice of events and happenings in the district. Use this google doc to share news tips.
Make a quick link to it in your tool bar and don't be shy about using it. If we don't tell our story, someone else will. And they might leave us out of the conversation altogether.

Grants and Professional Learning

You'll find grant opportunities to consider and explore in this section. Remember to fill out a grant request form before you get too involved in the process. I'm happy to help you get resources for your classroom. I'll also share opportunities for professional learning.
Our district Twitter chat - #bpseduchat - returns after hiatus tomorrow night at 8:30. Join in or lurk, it's a great way to connect with teachers across the district.
Mark your calendars for EdcampNWA2.0 on October 17, 2015 at BHS.

@bps community

This section will be used to share the great things that are happening in your classroom, buildings and across the district. I'm committed to spending Wednesday visiting buildings to document learning as it's happening. However, if you've got something amazing happening, don't wait for Wednesday. Share events on Twitter @Bentonville_ps or the #bpsmorethanascore hashtag. Make sure to tag @bentonvilleschools on Instagram as well. It takes us all to tell our story. Check out #bpsback2school for today's pictures.

Video of the week

Here's one to start the year off right. The late Rita Pierson laying down the purpose for doing what we do. 

Enjoy your day. Enjoy your year. Be a kid's champion!