December 15, 2015

I'm starting this week with a short story.

When my son, Tyler, was in 3rd grade he had a horrible year. He was bullied and shamed by his teacher through inaction. The week before Christmas that year, he came home and announced that he and couple of friends had come up with a new holiday - "Christmahannukwanzaka" - because they wanted to give everyone an opportunity come together and just be happy. My wish for you all is to be joyful, share joy, laugh, and embrace the childlike happiness of opening the perfect present - not taking life so seriously over the next two weeks.

Head's Up

While you're relaxing and being joyful, here's some events coming up next year.

Bentonville Parks and Recreation contacted me  with an opportunity for students to get involved with the Bentonville 1/2 Marathon Saturday, April 2, 2016. The route runs right in front of Tennie Russell, Sugar Creek, and Thomas Jefferson, and within a shoelace of Washington and Apple Glen, but all school's are invited to come up with something creative to support runners. One idea that's been tossed out is to have kids run the equivalent of a 1/2 Marathon January - March and complete the distance on race day. Could be great training for Gold Rush. Then, there's the always popular "Where you from?" map.

The Harlem Globetrotters are coming to Fayetteville in February as part of their World Tour 2016.

Every night this week Bentonville Public Library is showing each Star Wars movie leading up to Star Wars Day on Saturday when The Force Awakes.

@bpscommunity

There was a huge crowd Downtown for the 2015 Christmas Parade. It was great to see so many schools and students participating. They looked like they were enjoying themselves.



A group of BHS students got an opportunity for some real, relevant learning when Dr. Christopher Dougherty performed an ACL repair surgery live on stage at Arend. Select students also had hands-on experience with the tools and equipment used in orthopedic surgery.

http://5newsonline.com/2015/12/10/live-surgery-performed-for-high-school-students/

BHS students get a hands-on look at a femoral artery.

Dr. Chris Dougherty demonstrates an ACL repair surgery live on the Arend Art Center stage. Dr. Dougherty is the team physician for the NWA Naturals and the Kansas City Royals.





BHS students work with an arthroscope.






Amazing what kids will do when given the opportunity. Mr. Killingsworth and Ms. Parker are supporting a group of young engineers who started a passion project to convert an internal combustion engine vehicle to electric power. They plan to compete in a competition in North Carolina in the spring.

Thanks to all who participated in Computer Science Education Week and Hour of Code. Bentonville is definitely taking leadership on incorporating computer science into the  K - 12 curriculum. Old High Principal Jeff Wasem gives a great explanation for why exposing kids to code is so important in the clip below.

Bentonville Middle School Students Learn to Code - Story

Awesome to see so many schools participate the Bentonville Christmas Parade. 

Here's Old High and Bright Field Middle Schools Giving Clubs ready to go. These kids, did something special during the parade. They gave away socks, gloves and hats along the route.

Elm Tree Elementary's float had the elves on the vacation.

On RE Baker's float, the elves were busy working on preparing gifts.

BHS International club added some global flair to the festivities.

Give it up for the Creek! Sugar Creek is ready to roll.

Lincoln Junior High is cheering for a an excellent Winter Break.

And no parade's complete without a celebrity in a convertible.

Straight up, Good advice right here.

Here's a link to the Employee Social Media Survey results for those who are interested. Thank you to all who participated.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1AlGqPOWuzcsiULUuAtHpkULWJ9dJeXdxVp7b8A0t6G4/viewanalytics#start=openform

Grants and PD

If you have receive a grant or donation so far this school year, please fill out this form. I want to share with the School Board how much value you add beyond what you do day in and day out for students in your classrooms.

Video of the week

Thought a reminder from one of my favorite educational theorists might be a great way to send us all into a well deserved vacation.



Enjoy, be joyful, share joy, and be nice to each other. If third graders can figure it out . . .