ESU 4 Special Education - December 20, 2010

Monday Memo

December 20, 2010 

Keep your thoughts positive, because your thoughts become your words. Keep your words positive, because your words become your behavior. Keep your behavior positive, because your behavior becomes your habits. Keep your habits positive, because your habits become your values. Keep your values positive, because your values become your destiny. 

— Mahatma Gandhi

Courageously leading a dynamic revolution in Education!

TIME SHEETS ARE DUE!!!

Happy Holidays from ESU 4's Special Education Staff!

 

Are you willing to courageously lead the revolution??? 

Mileage Reimbursement.... As of January 1st, the IRS allowable rate for mileage reimbursement will change to $.51 per mile. Please note as you submit your December/January reimbursement.

Google Account information... update the office with your google account information so that we can share forms and documents. Here's the address; cut and paste this link in your web browser. (You should have it in your email as well!)  
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dFVLQTBHOHEzelBrQWU5bDN3MVlVeXc6MQ 

Self Evaluations/Goals-action plans/Individual Development Plans... I am still missing self-evaluations and goals/development plans from Kathy N. 

LESSON REFLECTIONS were due November 19th!!!... I'm still missing some of these. Please get them in soon!!

Requests for Professional Development/Workshops...Send in a leave request WITH your original request to attend the training; sometimes we get your registration information but I really need that leave sheet. (This might help us in being more accurate and timely with leave forms as well.)

According to the New York Times, there is no scientific research that proves that life is serious.
So... Lighten up!!! 

LEAVE FORMS... Please, please, please submit leave forms as soon as you know about your leave! We are having trouble with getting all the forms we need, when we need. Also, if you are submitting a leave form so that you may attend a meeting/workshop, please attach a copy of the workshop flyer with the leave request. That will allow us to make sure we've got you registered! I don't want to be repetitive here (but I will!), your leave requests really need to match your professional goals. If I don't have your goals, I can't okay leave requests! Turn them in by the 15th of each month!!

HUSKER NATION: 

GO Huskers!!!

Isn't it a great day to be a Husker fan????
The correct answer is... ALWAYS!!!
Never stop playing the game! Go BIG RED! GO Big RED! GO BIG Red! GO BIG RED  Educational Service Unit #4, Auburn, Nebraska

ESU 4 Special Education - December 13, 2010

Monday Memo
December 13, 2010

Courageously leading a dynamic revolution in Education!

TIME SHEETS ARE DUE!!!

The Ugly Holiday Sweater Contest was an awesome success! The ESU 4 Staff looked 'great??' in their holiday finest, adding new meaning to the phrase "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!" Congrats to Denise Buethe, Suzanne Hinrichs, Amy Jobe, Gail Palmer, and Catrina Zentner for receiving votes in the holiday-wear contest! Also, THANKS to the ESU 4 Life Skills students and staff for providing Ellen Stokebrand with a one-of-a-kind Holiday sweatshirt!

 

Are you willing to courageously lead the revolution??? 

Mileage Reimbursement.... As of January 1st, the IRS allowable rate for mileage reimbursement will change to $.51 per mile. Please note as you submit your December/January reimbursement.

Google Account information... update the office with your google account information so that we can share forms and documents. Here's the address; cut and paste this link in your web browser. (You should have it in your email as well!)  
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dFVLQTBHOHEzelBrQWU5bDN3MVlVeXc6MQ 

Self Evaluations/Goals-action plans/Individual Development Plans... I am still missing self-evaluations and goals/development plans from Kathy N. 

LESSON REFLECTIONS were due November 19th!!!... I'm still missing some of these. Please get them in soon!!

Requests for Professional Development/Workshops...Send in a leave request WITH your original request to attend the training; sometimes we get your registration information but I really need that leave sheet. (This might help us in being more accurate and timely with leave forms as well.)

According to the New York Times, there is no scientific research that proves that life is serious.
So... Lighten up!!! 

LEAVE FORMS... Please, please, please submit leave forms as soon as you know about your leave! We are having trouble with getting all the forms we need, when we need. Also, if you are submitting a leave form so that you may attend a meeting/workshop, please attach a copy of the workshop flyer with the leave request. That will allow us to make sure we've got you registered! I don't want to be repetitive here (but I will!), your leave requests really need to match your professional goals. If I don't have your goals, I can't okay leave requests! Turn them in by the 15th of each month!!

NCECBVI has announced a Holiday Giving Project... they are sponsoring a family by collecting food and cash donations between now (11/29/2010) and December 14th. If you'd like to donate food, please bring your donations to our Staff meeting on Friday, December 10th. We will transport our gifts to NCEC the next week via van.  

HUSKER NATION: 

GO Huskers!!!

Isn't it a great day to be a Husker fan????
The correct answer is... ALWAYS!!! Big 12 Champs in Volleyball...Big 12 North Champs in Football...Both Men's and Women's basketball teams are finding ways to win...There is a lesson to be learned there...
Never stop playing the game! Go BIG RED! GO Big RED! GO BIG Red! GO BIG RED  Educational Service Unit #4, Auburn, Nebraska

ESU 4 Special Education - November 29, 2010

Monday Memo
November 29, 2010 & December 6, 2010

“Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world." 

-- Joel Barker, "The Power of Vision"

ATTENDANCE SHEETS ARE DUE!!! (We send these to districts who use them for various reasons, including mileage reimbursement to parents.) As a reminder, attendance sheets are due by the 1st of every month. 

See below for Friday, December 10th's agenda. It should be a very good day... I'm looking forward to seeing everyone's ugly holiday sweaters! And, I'm sure the "Ugly Christmas Tree" contest will be in full swing as well!

Self Evaluations/Goals-action plans/Individual Development Plans... I am still missing self-evaluations and goals/development plans from Kathy N. 

LESSON REFLECTIONS were due November 19th!!!... As part of our new evaluation process, I indicated that I'd be asking each of the certificated staff to complete a "Lesson Reflection" each semester. I think it's a good time to start thinking about this... I'd like you to complete a "Lesson Reflection" worksheet on a lesson, unit, or activity that you taught to a student or group of students. The worksheet is behind the "Lesson Reflection" tab and is page 84. You may want to make a copy of page 84 so you can repeat this activity next semester. You choose the lesson, unit or activity. Please include a description of the lesson, unit or activity upon which you are reflecting. I asked that this reflection be submitted to me by Friday, November 19th. I am missing many of these... Please get them in soon!!

Requests for Professional Development/Workshops...Send in a leave request WITH your original request to attend the training; sometimes we get your registration information but I really need that leave sheet. (This might help us in being more accurate and timely with leave forms as well.) Also, be wise in making your requests as I am being asked to pay close attention to the costs associated with professional development among ESU 4 staff. If I can use grant funds, I will and your requests will most likely be approved. If I cannot use grant funds, it might be iffy! 

According to the New York Times, there is no scientific research that proves that life is serious.
So... Lighten up!!! 

TIME SHEETS AND EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT... Remember that they are due shortly after 14th of each month! Some of you submit your time sheets and expense reimbursements electronically. We've been informed that we need to have you physically sign your time sheets and requests so you will NOT be able to submit them electronically. The best bet would be to submit them via the van mail... you can drop them off at any ESU 4 school! We begin to process these forms as soon as we get them together but we are having to create a deadline. If you don't get your time sheets and leave requests in by the 20th of each month, we won't be able to process your request and your reimbursement for mileage and expenses will be delayed by at least a month.

LEAVE FORMS... Please, please, please submit leave forms as soon as you know about your leave! We are having trouble with getting all the forms we need, when we need. Also, if you are submitting a leave form so that you may attend a meeting/workshop, please attach a copy of the workshop flyer with the leave request. That will allow us to make sure we've got you registered! I don't want to be repetitive here (but I will!), your leave requests really need to match your professional goals. If I don't have your goals, I can't okay leave requests! Turn them in by the 15th of each month!!

AdvancED...  We have the final report and we'll be talking with you about the External team's report at our December 10th Inservice. We have several commendations and a couple of recommendations from the QAR team that was here in September. We'll be working on ways to implement the recommendations of our team. It's nice to know that we are actually already implementing at least one of the recommendations! 

Now begins the challenge of maintaining that 'awesome-ness' and moving forward!
We'll be celebrating!

Speaking of AdvancED and our December Inservice... Plans for an Ugly Holiday Sweater Contest are underway. I'm just telling you so that you can start preparing... remember, there will be prizes!!! 

Tentative Agenda for 12/10/10...
 - 8:30 - Welcome 
         -  Update of QOE Process 
         -  Review of AdvancED Report 
 - 9:15 - Creating our Vision... 
 - 11:30 - Update from our Hartford Agent!
 - 12:00 - LUNCH!
 - 12:45 - Technology with Gregg
 - 2:45 - Announcing the winner of the Ugly Holiday Sweater Contest! 

NCECBVI has announced a Holiday Giving Project... they are sponsoring a family by collecting food and cash donations between now (11/29/2010) and December 14th. If you'd like to donate food, please bring your donations to our Staff meeting on Friday, December 10th. We will transport our gifts to NCEC the next week via van.  

HUSKER NATION: 

GO Huskers!!!

Isn't it a great day to be a Husker fan????
The correct answer is... ALWAYS!!! Big 12 Champs in Volleyball...Big 12 North Champs in Football...Both Men's and Women's basketball teams are finding ways to win...There is a lesson to be learned there...
Never stop playing the game! Go BIG RED! GO Big RED! GO BIG Red! GO BIG RED  Educational Service Unit #4, Auburn, Nebraska

ESU 4 Special Education - November 22, 2010

Monday Memo
November 22, 2010 Happy Thanksgiving! May your turkey be perfect!For you shoppers... Enjoy Black Friday!!GO BIG RED!!!

“It seems so simple appreciating life for what it is -- pleasure and pain, joy and sorrow. For the moment, for today at least, I have learned to be content." -- Gloria Gaither

 

TIME and EXPENSE SHEETS ARE DUE ... 

It's Go Solutions Time!!! I'd like to finalize all time sheets by Monday, November 22nd. Thanks!  

Self Evaluations/Goals-action plans/Individual Development Plans... I am still missing self-evaluations and goals/development plans from Kathy N. 

LESSON REFLECTIONS were due LAST WEEK!!!... As part of our new evaluation process, I indicated that I'd be asking each of the certificated staff to complete a "Lesson Reflection" each semester. I think it's a good time to start thinking about this... I'd like you to complete a "Lesson Reflection" worksheet on a lesson, unit, or activity that you taught to a student or group of students. The worksheet is behind the "Lesson Reflection" tab and is page 84. You may want to make a copy of page 84 so you can repeat this activity next semester. You choose the lesson, unit or activity. Please include a description of the lesson, unit or activity upon which you are reflecting. I asked that this reflection be submitted to me by Friday, November 19th. I am missing many of these... Please get them in soon!!

Requests for Professional Development/Workshops...Send in a leave request WITH your original request to attend the training; sometimes we get your registration information but I really need that leave sheet. (This might help us in being more accurate and timely with leave forms as well.) Also, be wise in making your requests as I am being asked to pay close attention to the costs associated with professional development among ESU 4 staff. If I can use grant funds, I will and your requests will most likely be approved. If I cannot use grant funds, it might be iffy! 

According to the New York Times, there is no scientific research that proves that life is serious.
So... Lighten up!!! 

TIME SHEETS AND EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT... Remember that they are due shortly after 14th of each month! Some of you submit your time sheets and expense reimbursements electronically. We've been informed that we need to have you physically sign your time sheets and requests so you will NOT be able to submit them electronically. The best bet would be to submit them via the van mail... you can drop them off at any ESU 4 school! We begin to process these forms as soon as we get them together but we are having to create a deadline. If you don't get your time sheets and leave requests in by the 20th of each month, we won't be able to process your request and your reimbursement for mileage and expenses will be delayed by at least a month.

LEAVE FORMS... Please, please, please submit leave forms as soon as you know about your leave! We are having trouble with getting all the forms we need, when we need. Also, if you are submitting a leave form so that you may attend a meeting/workshop, please attach a copy of the workshop flyer with the leave request. That will allow us to make sure we've got you registered! I don't want to be repetitive here (but I will!), your leave requests really need to match your professional goals. If I don't have your goals, I can't okay leave requests! Turn them in by the 15th of each month!!

AdvancED...  We have the final report and we'll be talking with you about the External team's report at our December 10th Inservice. We have several commendations and a couple of recommendations from the QAR team that was here in September. We'll be working on ways to implement the recommendations of our team. It's nice to know that we are actually already implementing at least one of the recommendations! 

Now begins the challenge of maintaining that 'awesome-ness' and moving forward!
We'll be celebrating!

Speaking of AdvancED and our December Inservice... Plans for an Ugly Holiday Sweater Contest are underway. I'm just telling you so that you can start preparing... remember, there will be prizes!!! 

Tentative Agenda for 12/10/10...
 - 8:30 - Welcome and Review of AdvancED Report 
 - 9:15 - Communication... Creating Collaborative Relationships
 - 10:30 - Technology with Gregg
 - 11:30 - Update from our Hartford Agent!
 - 12:00 - LUNCH!
 - 12:45 - More with Technology
 - 2:45 - Announcing the winner of the Ugly Holiday Sweater Contest! 

HUSKER NATION: 

GO Huskers!!!

Isn't it a great day to be a Husker fan????
The correct answer is... ALWAYS!!!9-1... Pretty Darn Good!!!And how 'bout that Volleyball team???

Never stop playing the game! Go BIG RED! GO Big RED! GO BIG Red! GO BIG RED  Educational Service Unit #4, Auburn, Nebraska

ESU 4 Special Education - November 15, 2010

Monday Memo
November 15, 2010

“If you don't go after what you want, you'll never have it. If you don't ask, the answer is always no. If you don't step forward, you're always in the same place.” ~Nora Roberts

 

(Note: I liked this quote so much that I decided to give it additional time! -ES)

 

TIME and EXPENSE SHEETS ARE DUE ...

 

It's Go Solutions Time!!! The Time Study begins today...  Monday, November 15th, and will conclude on Friday, November 19th. Be sure to complete your time studies on-line. I'd like them finalized by Monday, November 22nd. Thanks! 

 

Self Evaluations/Goals-action plans/Individual Development Plans... I am still missing self-evaluations and goals/development plans from Kathy N. 

LESSON REFLECTIONS are due THIS WEEK!!!... As part of our new evaluation process, I indicated that I'd be asking each of the certificated staff to complete a "Lesson Reflection" each semester. I think it's a good time to start thinking about this... I'd like you to complete a "Lesson Reflection" worksheet on a lesson, unit, or activity that you taught to a student or group of students. The worksheet is behind the "Lesson Reflection" tab and is page 84. You may want to make a copy of page 84 so you can repeat this activity next semester. You get to choose the lesson, unit or activity. Please include a description of the lesson, unit or activity upon which you are reflecting. I would ask that this reflection be submitted to me by Friday, November 19th. (PS... thanks to Gail Palmer, who was first in submitting her reflections!)

Requests for Professional Development/Workshops...Send in a leave request WITH your original request to attend the training; sometimes we get your registration information but I really need that leave sheet. (This might help us in being more accurate and timely with leave forms as well.) Also, be wise in making your requests as I am being asked to pay close attention to the costs associated with professional development among ESU 4 staff. If I can use grant funds, I will and your requests will most likely be approved. If I cannot use grant funds, it might be iffy! 

According to the New York Times, there is no scientific research that proves that life is serious.
So... Lighten up!!! 

TIME SHEETS AND EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT... It's time to start thinking about completing and turning in your time sheets and expense requests for November... remember that they are due shortly after November 14th! Some of you submit your time sheets and expense reimbursements electronically. We've been informed that we need to have you physically sign your time sheets and requests so you will NOT be able to submit them electronically, unless you sign the forms and make them into a PDF document. (However, a PDF of the time sheet form may not be legible for us.) The best bet would be to submit them via the van mail... you can drop them off at any ESU 4 school! We begin to process these forms as soon as we get them together but we are having to create a deadline. If you don't get your time sheets and leave requests in by the 20th of each month, we won't be able to process your request and your reimbursement for mileage and expenses will be delayed by at least a month.

LEAVE FORMS... Please, please, please submit leave forms as soon as you know about your leave! We are having trouble with getting all the forms we need, when we need. Also, if you are submitting a leave form so that you may attend a meeting/workshop, please attach a copy of the workshop flyer with the leave request. That will allow us to make sure we've got you registered! I don't want to be repetitive here (but I will!), your leave requests really need to match your professional goals. If I don't have your goals, I can't okay leave requests! Turn them in by the 15th of each month!!

AdvancED...  We'll be talking with you about the External team's report at our December 10th Inservice. We're excited to get the report... we don't have it yet! And, we'll be working on ways to implement the recommendations of our team. It's nice to know that we are actually already implementing at least one of the recommendations! 

Now begins the challenge of maintaining that 'awesome-ness' and moving forward!
We'll be celebrating!

Speaking of AdvancED and our December Inservice... Plans for an Ugly Holiday Sweater Contest are underway. I'm just telling you so that you can start preparing... remember, there will be prizes!!! 

Tentative Agenda for 12/10/10...
 - 8:30 - Welcome and Review of AdvancED Report 
 - 9:15 - Communication... Creating Collaborative Relationships
 - 10:30 - Technology with Gregg
 - 11:30 - Update from our Hartford Agent!
 - 12:00 - LUNCH!
 - 12:45 - More with Technology
 - 2:45 - Announcing the winner of the Ugly Holiday Sweater Contest! 

HUSKER NATION: 

GO Huskers!!!

Isn't it a great day to be a Husker fan????
The correct answer is... ALWAYS!!!9-1... Pretty Darn Good!!!And how 'bout that Volleyball team???

Never stop playing the game! Go BIG RED! GO Big RED! GO BIG Red! GO BIG RED  Educational Service Unit #4, Auburn, Nebraska

ESU 4 Special Education - November 8, 2010

Monday Memo
November 8, 2010

I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way she handles these 3 things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas lights.   -- Maya Angelou

It's Go Solutions Time!!! The training for NebMac with Go Solutions will be on Thursday, November 11th. One training will be held at NCEC at 7:30 a.m. The second training will be at ESU 4, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Those involved in the 7:30 training include Gail Palmer. Those involved in the 9:00 training include Joel Halpine, JaNay Oestmann, Catrina Zentner, Katrina Ligouri and Ellen Stokebrand. Ellen Cain and Diane Jergensen have already participated in web-based training. The Time Study will begin on Monday, November 15th, and will conclude on Friday, November 19th.

Self Evaluations/Goals-action plans/Individual Development Plans... I am still missing self-evaluations and goals/development plans from Kathy N. 

ATTENDANCE SHEETS ARE PAST DUE!!!!!

It's time for LESSON REFLECTIONS... As part of our new evaluation process, I indicated that I'd be asking each of the certificated staff to complete a "Lesson Reflection" each semester. I think it's a good time to start thinking about this... I'd like you to complete a "Lesson Reflection" worksheet on a lesson, unit, or activity that you taught to a student or group of students. The worksheet is behind the "Lesson Reflection" tab and is page 84. You may want to make a copy of page 84 so you can repeat this activity next semester. You get to choose the lesson, unit or activity. Please include a description of the lesson, unit or activity upon which you are reflecting. I would ask that this reflection be submitted to me by Friday, November 19th. That gives you 7 weeks to complete this portion of the evaluation process. 

Requests for Professional Development/Workshops...Send in a leave request WITH your original request to attend the training; sometimes we get your registration information but I really need that leave sheet. (This might help us in being more accurate and timely with leave forms as well.) Also, be wise in making your requests as I am being asked to pay close attention to the costs associated with professional development among ESU 4 staff. If I can use grant funds, I will and your requests will most likely be approved. If I cannot use grant funds, it might be iffy! 

According to the New York Times, there is no scientific research that proves that life is serious.
So... Lighten up!!! 

TIME SHEETS AND EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT... It's time to start thinking about completing and turning in your time sheets and expense requests for November... remember that they are due shortly after November 14th! Some of you submit your time sheets and expense reimbursements electronically. We've been informed that we need to have you physically sign your time sheets and requests so you will NOT be able to submit them electronically, unless you sign the forms and make them into a PDF document. (However, a PDF of the time sheet form may not be legible for us.) The best bet would be to submit them via the van mail... you can drop them off at any ESU 4 school! We begin to process these forms as soon as we get them together but we are having to create a deadline. If you don't get your time sheets and leave requests in by the 20th of each month, we won't be able to process your request and your reimbursement for mileage and expenses will be delayed by at least a month.

LEAVE FORMS... Please, please, please submit leave forms as soon as you know about your leave! We are having trouble with getting all the forms we need, when we need. Also, if you are submitting a leave form so that you may attend a meeting/workshop, please attach a copy of the workshop flyer with the leave request. That will allow us to make sure we've got you registered! I don't want to be repetitive here (but I will!), your leave requests really need to match your professional goals. If I don't have your goals, I can't okay leave requests! Turn them in by the 15th of each month!!

AdvancED...  We'll be talking with you about the External team's report at our December 10th Inservice. We're excited to get the report... we don't have it yet! And, we'll be working on ways to implement the recommendations of our team. It's nice to know that we are actually already implementing at least one of the recommendations! 

Now begins the challenge of maintaining that 'awesome-ness' and moving forward!
We'll be celebrating!

Speaking of AdvancED and our December Inservice... Mark your calendars for Friday, December 10th. I've met with the "Planning Committee" (Thanks to the Learning Center Staff for volunteering to be the SpEAC Committee this year!!!) and plans for an Ugly Holiday Sweater Contest are underway. I'm just telling you so that you can start preparing... remember, there will be prizes!!! Our focus for the 'program' will be three-fold... 1) AdvancED; 2) Evaluations; and 3) Technology with Gregg. 

HUSKER NATION: 

GO Huskers!!!

Isn't it a great day to be a Husker fan????
The correct answer is... ALWAYS!!!


Never stop playing the game! Go BIG RED! GO Big RED! GO BIG Red! GO BIG RED  Educational Service Unit #4, Auburn, Nebraska

ESU 4 Special Education - November 1, 2010

Monday Memo
November 1, 2010

“Consider how hard it is to change yourself and you’ll understand what little chance you have in trying to change others.” - Jacob M. Braude

Self Evaluations/Goals-action plans/Individual Development Plans... I am still missing self-evaluations and goals/development plans from Kathy N. 

ATTENDANCE SHEETS ARE DUE!!!!!

It's time for LESSON REFLECTIONS... As part of our new evaluation process, I indicated that I'd be asking each of the certificated staff to complete a "Lesson Reflection" each semester. I think it's a good time to start thinking about this... I'd like you to complete a "Lesson Reflection" worksheet on a lesson, unit, or activity that you taught to a student or group of students. The worksheet is behind the "Lesson Reflection" tab and is page 84. You may want to make a copy of page 84 so you can repeat this activity next semester. You get to choose the lesson, unit or activity. Please include a description of the lesson, unit or activity upon which you are reflecting. I would ask that this reflection be submitted to me by Friday, November 19th. That gives you 7 weeks to complete this portion of the evaluation process. 

Requests for Professional Development/Workshops...Send in a leave request WITH your original request to attend the training; sometimes we get your registration information but I really need that leave sheet. (This might help us in being more accurate and timely with leave forms as well.) Also, be wise in making your requests as I am being asked to pay close attention to the costs associated with professional development among ESU 4 staff. If I can use grant funds, I will and your requests will most likely be approved. If I cannot use grant funds, it might be iffy! 

According to the New York Times, there is no scientific research that proves that life is serious.
So... Lighten up!!! 

TIME SHEETS AND EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT... It's time to start thinking about completing and turning in your time sheets and expense requests for November... remember that they are due shortly after November 14th! Some of you submit your time sheets and expense reimbursements electronically. We've been informed that we need to have you physically sign your time sheets and requests so you will NOT be able to submit them electronically, unless you sign the forms and make them into a PDF document. (However, a PDF of the time sheet form may not be legible for us.) The best bet would be to submit them via the van mail... you can drop them off at any ESU 4 school! We begin to process these forms as soon as we get them together but we are having to create a deadline. If you don't get your time sheets and leave requests in by the 20th of each month, we won't be able to process your request and your reimbursement for mileage and expenses will be delayed by at least a month.

LEAVE FORMS... Please, please, please submit leave forms as soon as you know about your leave! We are having trouble with getting all the forms we need, when we need. Also, if you are submitting a leave form so that you may attend a meeting/workshop, please attach a copy of the workshop flyer with the leave request. That will allow us to make sure we've got you registered! I don't want to be repetitive here (but I will!), your leave requests really need to match your professional goals. If I don't have your goals, I can't okay leave requests! Turn them in by the 15th of each month!!

AdvancED...  We'll be talking with you about the External team's report at our December 10th Inservice. We're excited to get the report... we don't have it yet! And, we'll be working on ways to implement the recommendations of our team. It's nice to know that we are actually already implementing at least one of the recommendations! 

Now begins the challenge of maintaining that 'awesome-ness' and moving forward!
We'll be celebrating!

Speaking of AdvancED and our December Inservice... Mark your calendars for Friday, December 10th. I've met with the "Planning Committee" (Thanks to the Learning Center Staff for volunteering to be the SpEAC Committee this year!!!) and plans for an Ugly Holiday Sweater Contest are underway. I'm just telling you so that you can start preparing... remember, there will be prizes!!! Our focus for the 'program' will be three-fold... 1) AdvancED; 2) Evaluations; and 3) Technology with Gregg. 

HUSKER NATION: 

GO Huskers!!!

Isn't it a great day to be a Husker fan????
The correct answer is... ALWAYS!!!


Never stop playing the game! Go BIG RED! GO Big RED! GO BIG Red! GO BIG RED  Educational Service Unit #4, Auburn, Nebraska

ESU 4 Special Education - October 25, 2010

Monday Memo
October 25, 2010

‎Trust people as if they were what they ought to be, and you help them to become what they are capable of being. --Goethe

Our Sympathies... to Kathy Taylor and her family on the loss of her father.

Self Evaluations/Goals-action plans/Individual Development Plans... I am still missing self-evaluations and goals/development plans from Kathy N. 

It's time for LESSON REFLECTIONS... As part of our new evaluation process, I indicated that I'd be asking each of the certificated staff to complete a "Lesson Reflection" each semester. I think it's a good time to start thinking about this... I'd like you to complete a "Lesson Reflection" worksheet on a lesson, unit, or activity that you taught to a student or group of students. The worksheet is behind the "Lesson Reflection" tab and is page 84. You may want to make a copy of page 84 so you can repeat this activity next semester. You get to choose the lesson, unit or activity. Please include a description of the lesson, unit or activity upon which you are reflecting. I would ask that this reflection be submitted to me by Friday, November 19th. That gives you 7 weeks to complete this portion of the evaluation process. 

Requests for Professional Development/Workshops... I am getting some requests for people wanting to attend workshops or staff development. As I mentioned at our meeting at NCEC, your requests need to match up with your Individual Development Plan (IDP). So, until I get your IDP, I am unable to okay requests. I would also recommend that you send in a leave request WITH your original request to attend the training; sometimes we get your registration information but I really need that leave sheet. (This might help us in being more accurate and timely with leave forms as well.  Also, be wise in making your requests as I am being asked to pay close attention to the costs associated with professional development among ESU 4 staff. If I can use grant funds, I will and your requests will most likely be approved. If I cannot use grant funds, it might be iffy! 

According to the New York Times, there is no scientific research that proves that life is serious.
So... Lighten up!!! 

TIME SHEETS AND EXPENSE REQUESTS... It's time to start thinking about completing and turning in your time sheets and expense requests for November... remember that they are due shortly after November 14th! Some of you submit your time sheets and expense requests electronically. We've been informed that we need to have you physically sign your time sheets and requests so you will NOT be able to submit them electronically, unless you sign the forms and make them into a PDF document. (However, a PDF of the time sheet form may not be legible for us.) The best bet would be to submit them via the van mail... you can drop them off at any ESU 4 school! We begin to process these forms as soon as we get them together but we are having to create a deadline. If you don't get your time sheets and leave requests in by the 20th of each month, we won't be able to process your request and your reimbursement for mileage and expenses will be delayed by at least a month.

LEAVE FORMS... Please, please, please submit leave forms as soon as you know about your leave! We are having trouble with getting all the forms we need, when we need. Also, if you are submitting a leave form so that you may attend a meeting/workshop, please attach a copy of the workshop flyer with the leave request. That will allow us to make sure we've got you registered! I don't want to be repetitive here (but I will!), your leave requests really need to match your professional goals. If I don't have your goals, I can't okay leave requests! Turn them in by the 15th of each month!!

AdvancED...  We'll be talking with you about the External team's report at our December 10th Inservice. We're excited to get the report... we don't have it yet! And, we'll be working on ways to implement the recommendations of our team. It's nice to know that we are actually already implementing at least one of the recommendations! 

Now begins the challenge of maintaining that 'awesome-ness' and moving forward!
We'll be celebrating!

Speaking of AdvancED and our December Inservice... Mark your calendars for Friday, December 10th. I've met with the "Planning Committee" (Thanks to the Learning Center Staff for volunteering to be the SpEAC Committee this year!!!) and plans for an Ugly Holiday Sweater Contest are underway. I'm just telling you so that you can start preparing... remember, there will be prizes!!! Our focus for the 'program' will be three-fold... 1) AdvancED; 2) Evaluations; and 3) Technology with Gregg. 

HUSKER NATION: 

GO Huskers!!!

Isn't it a great day to be a Husker fan????
The correct answer is... ALWAYS!!!


Never stop playing the game! Go BIG RED! GO Big RED! GO BIG Red! GO BIG RED  Educational Service Unit #4, Auburn, Nebraska

ESU 4 Special Education - October 18, 2010

Monday Memo
October 18, 2010

‎"Laugh with your Eyes, Hug with your Soul, and Smile with your Heart..."

Our Sympathies... to Kathy Taylor and her family on the loss of her father. We will update everyone with details concerning visitation and funeral arrangements.

AdvancED...  We'll be talking with you about the External team's report at our December 10th Inservice. We're excited to get the report... we don't have it yet! And, we'll be working on ways to implement the recommendations of our team. It's nice to know that we are actually already implementing at least one of the recommendations! 

Now begins the challenge of maintaining that 'awesome-ness' and moving forward!
We'll be celebrating!

Speaking of AdvancED and our December Inservice... Mark your calendars for Friday, December 10th. I've met with the "Planning Committee" (Thanks to the Learning Center Staff for volunteering to be the SpEAC Committee this year!!!) and plans for an Ugly Holiday Sweater Contest are underway. I'm just telling you so that you can start preparing... remember, there will be prizes!!! Our focus for the 'program' will be three-fold... 1) AdvancED; 2) Evaluations; and 3) Technology with Gregg. 

Self Evaluations/Goals-action plans/Individual Development Plans... I am still missing self-evaluations and goals/development plans from Kathy N. 

It's time for LESSON REFLECTIONS... As part of our new evaluation process, I indicated that I'd be asking each of the certificated staff to complete a "Lesson Reflection" each semester. I think it's a good time to start thinking about this... I'd like you to complete a "Lesson Reflection" worksheet on a lesson, unit, or activity that you taught to a student or group of students. The worksheet is behind the "Lesson Reflection" tab and is page 84. You may want to make a copy of page 84 so you can repeat this activity next semester. You get to choose the lesson, unit or activity. Please include a description of the lesson, unit or activity upon which you are reflecting. I would ask that this reflection be submitted to me by Friday, November 19th. That gives you 7 weeks to complete this portion of the evaluation process. 

Walk-throughs... I'll be visiting districts during the month of October for the purpose of financial visits with superintendents, as well as IEP and student team meetings. I'm going to take the opportunities to complete walk-throughs. Make sure we have your schedule so that I can plan to visit your classrooms while I'm out and about! 

Timesheets and Mileage Reimbursement Requests... We absolutely need you to turn in your time sheets and mileage requests as soon after the 15th as possible. We have to process the paperwork in a short amount of time in order to get payroll done and your mileage checks processed prior to the board meeting. Please use the van mail to your advantage. (NOTE: Put them in the van mail tomorrow!! 10/19)

Note: Don't confuse timesheets and mileage requests with your student attendance reports. We need the student information at the end of each month. 

Requests for Professional Development/Workshops... I am getting some requests for people wanting to attend workshops or staff development. As I mentioned at our meeting at NCEC, your requests need to match up with your Individual Development Plan (IDP). So, until I get your IDP, I am unable to okay requests. I would also recommend that you send in a leave request WITH your original request to attend the training; sometimes we get your registration information but I really need that leave sheet. (This might help us in being more accurate and timely with leave forms as well.  Also, be wise in making your requests as I am being asked to pay close attention to the costs associated with professional development among ESU 4 staff. If I can use grant funds, I will and your requests will most likely be approved. If I cannot use grant funds, it might be iffy! 

According to the New York Times, there is no scientific research that proves that life is serious.
So... Lighten up!!! 

TIME SHEETS AND EXPENSE REQUESTS... It's time to start thinking about completing and turning in your time sheets and expense requests for October... remember that they are due shortly after October 14th! Some of you submit your time sheets and expense requests electronically. We've been informed that we need to have you physically sign your time sheets and requests so you will NOT be able to submit them electronically, unless you sign the forms and make them into a PDF document. (However, a PDF of the time sheet form may not be legible for us.) The best bet would be to submit them via the van mail... you can drop them off at any ESU 4 school! We begin to process these forms as soon as we get them together but we are having to create a deadline. If you don't get your time sheets and leave requests in by the 20th of each month, we won't be able to process your request and your reimbursement for mileage and expenses will be delayed by at least a month.

LEAVE FORMS... Please, please, please submit leave forms as soon as you know about your leave! We are having trouble with getting all the forms we need, when we need. Also, if you are submitting a leave form so that you may attend a meeting/workshop, please attach a copy of the workshop flyer with the leave request. That will allow us to make sure we've got you registered! I don't want to be repetitive here (but I will!), your leave requests really need to match your professional goals. If I don't have your goals, I can't okay leave requests! Turn them in by the 15th of each month!!

HUSKER NATION: 

GO Huskers!!!

Isn't it a great day to be a Husker fan????
The correct answer is... ALWAYS!!!


Never stop playing the game! Go BIG RED! GO Big RED! GO BIG Red! GO BIG RED  Educational Service Unit #4, Auburn, Nebraska

ESU 4 Special Education - October 11, 2010

Monday Memo
October 11, 2010

Do all the good you can, and make as little fuss about it as possible.            -Charles Dickens

We've changed our Memo Page!... This is week 3 of our new format for our ESU 4 Special Education/Monday Memo page. Because the manila webpage was no longer going to be supported, we had to find another means of sharing information. So, we've adjusted and updated to this 'blog' as opposed to a traditional webpage. This will allow us more opportunities to communicate... you can join the blog and make responses, if you so desire. You can 'follow' the blog, which means you may get emails about updates to the blog. And, even though we've changed, there are some things which are still the same... my calendar is now available on the blog and I've started pages for each of the programs we host here at ESU 4. You'll notice that there are some blanks... I'd love to share content! I'm still trying to learn how to use the blog and get the maximum use out of this device for communication. So be patient and let me know what you think...I'm going to post this link on our ESU 4 Facebook page as well. By the way, are you a fan of "ESU 4 Special Education" on Facebook???

AdvancED...  We'll be talking with you about the External team's report at our December 10th Inservice. We're excited to get the report... we don't have it yet! And, we'll be working on ways to implement the recommendations of our team. It's nice to know that we are actually already implementing at least one of the recommendations! 

Now begins the challenge of maintaining that 'awesome-ness' and moving forward!
We'll be celebrating!

Speaking of AdvancED and our December Inservice... Mark your calendars for Friday, December 10th. I've met with the "Planning Committee" (Thanks to the Learning Center Staff for volunteering to be the SpEAC Committee this year!!!) and plans for an Ugly Holiday Sweater Contest are underway. I'm just telling you so that you can start preparing... remember, there will be prizes!!! Our focus for the 'program' will be three-fold... 1) AdvancED; 2) Evaluations; and 3) Technology with Gregg. 

Self Evaluations/Goals-action plans/Individual Development Plans... I am still missing self-evaluations and goals/development plans from Joel and Kathy N. 

It's time for LESSON REFLECTIONS... As part of our new evaluation process, I indicated that I'd be asking each of the certificated staff to complete a "Lesson Reflection" each semester. I think it's a good time to start thinking about this... I'd like you to complete a "Lesson Reflection" worksheet on a lesson, unit, or activity that you taught to a student or group of students. The worksheet is behind the "Lesson Reflection" tab and is page 84. You may want to make a copy of page 84 so you can repeat this activity next semester. You get to choose the lesson, unit or activity. Please include a description of the lesson, unit or activity upon which you are reflecting. I would ask that this reflection be submitted to me by Friday, November 19th. That gives you 7 weeks to complete this portion of the evaluation process. 

Walk-throughs... I'll be visiting districts during the month of October for the purpose of financial visits with superintendents, as well as IEP and student team meetings. I'm going to take the opportunities to complete walk-throughs. Make sure we have your schedule so that I can plan to visit your classrooms while I'm out and about! 

Timesheets and Mileage Reimbursement Requests... We absolutely need you to turn in your time sheets and mileage requests as soon after the 15th as possible. We have to process the paperwork in a short amount of time in order to get payroll done and your mileage checks processed prior to the board meeting. Please use the van mail to your advantage. 

Note: Don't confuse timesheets and mileage requests with your student attendance reports. We need the student information at the end of each month. 

Requests for Professional Development/Workshops... I am getting some requests for people wanting to attend workshops or staff development. As I mentioned at our meeting at NCEC, your requests need to match up with your Individual Development Plan (IDP). So, until I get your IDP, I am unable to okay requests. I would also recommend that you send in a leave request WITH your original request to attend the training; sometimes we get your registration information but I really need that leave sheet. (This might help us in being more accurate and timely with leave forms as well.  Also, be wise in making your requests as I am being asked to pay close attention to the costs associated with professional development among ESU 4 staff. If I can use grant funds, I will and your requests will most likely be approved. If I cannot use grant funds, it might be iffy! 

According to the New York Times, there is no scientific research that proves that life is serious.
So... Lighten up!!! 

TIME SHEETS AND EXPENSE REQUESTS... It's time to start thinking about completing and turning in your time sheets and expense requests for October... remember that they are due shortly after October 14th! Some of you submit your time sheets and expense requests electronically. We've been informed that we need to have you physically sign your time sheets and requests so you will NOT be able to submit them electronically, unless you sign the forms and make them into a PDF document. (However, a PDF of the time sheet form may not be legible for us.) The best bet would be to submit them via the van mail... you can drop them off at any ESU 4 school! We begin to process these forms as soon as we get them together but we are having to create a deadline. If you don't get your time sheets and leave requests in by the 20th of each month, we won't be able to process your request and your reimbursement for mileage and expenses will be delayed by at least a month.

LEAVE FORMS... Please, please, please submit leave forms as soon as you know about your leave! We are having trouble with getting all the forms we need, when we need. Also, if you are submitting a leave form so that you may attend a meeting/workshop, please attach a copy of the workshop flyer with the leave request. That will allow us to make sure we've got you registered! I don't want to be repetitive here (but I will!), your leave requests really need to match your professional goals. If I don't have your goals, I can't okay leave requests! Turn them in by the 15th of each month!!

HUSKER NATION: 

GO Huskers!!!

Isn't it a great day to be a Husker fan????
The correct answer is... ALWAYS!!!

Wow... is there anything more that needs to be said? I think not!

Never stop playing the game! Go BIG RED! GO Big RED! GO BIG Red! GO BIG RED  
Educational Service Unit #4, Auburn, Nebraska

ESU 4 Special Education - October 4, 2010

Monday Memo
October 4, 2010

In my belief, you cannot deal with the most serious things in the world unless you also understand the most amusing!       -Winston Churchill

We've changed our Memo Page!... You'll notice that we've now launched a new format for our ESU 4 Special Education/Monday Memo page. Because the manila webpage was no longer going to be supported, we had to find another means of sharing information. So, we've adjusted and updated to this 'blog' as opposed to a traditional webpage. This will allow us more opportunities to communicate... you can join the blog and make responses, if you so desire. You can 'follow' the blog, which means you may get emails about updates to the blog. And, even though we've changed, there are some things which are still the same... my calendar is now available on the blog and I've started pages for each of the programs we host here at ESU 4. You'll notice that there are some blanks... I'd love to share content! I'm still trying to learn how to use the blog and get the maximum use out of this device for communication. So be patient and let me know what you think...

The AdvancED Visit Went Well!!! When we started last Sunday night with the QAR team, we told them our goal was to be a "Blow Your Hair Back" ESU. When they left on Wednesday afternoon, I believe that they felt they had visited a "Blow Your Hair Back" ESU! Our exit visit went VERY WELL... ESU 4 is now Nationally Accredited through AdvancED... the first in Nebraska and one of 12 across the country! Well done... You are all AWESOME!

Now begins the challenge of maintaining that 'awesome-ness' and moving forward! We'll be celebrating!

Self Evaluations/Goals-action plans/Individual Development Plans... I am still missing self-evaluations and goals/development plans from Joel and Kathy N. 

It's time for LESSON REFLECTIONS... As part of our new evaluation process, I indicated that I'd be asking each of the certificated staff to complete a "Lesson Reflection" each semester. I think it's a good time to start thinking about this... I'd like you to complete a "Lesson Reflection" worksheet on a lesson, unit, or activity that you taught to a student or group of students. The worksheet is behind the "Lesson Reflection" tab and is page 84. You may want to make a copy of page 84 so you can repeat this activity next semester. You get to choose the lesson, unit or activity. Please include a description of the lesson, unit or activity upon which you are reflecting. I would ask that this reflection be submitted to me by Friday, November 19th. That gives you 7 weeks to complete this portion of the evaluation process. 

Walk-throughs... I'll be visiting districts during the month of October for the purpose of financial visits with superintendents, as well as IEP and student team meetings. I'm going to take the opportunities to complete walk-throughs. Make sure we have your schedule so that I can plan to visit your classrooms while I'm out and about! 

Timesheets and Mileage Reimbursement Requests... We absolutely need you to turn in your time sheets and mileage requests as soon after the 15th as possible. We have to process the paperwork in a short amount of time in order to get payroll done and your mileage checks processed prior to the board meeting. Please use the van mail to your advantage. 

Note: Don't confuse timesheets and mileage requests with your student attendance reports. We need the student information at the end of each month. 

Requests for Professional Development/Workshops... I am getting some requests for people wanting to attend workshops or staff development. As I mentioned at our meeting at NCEC, your requests need to match up with your Individual Development Plan (IDP). So, until I get your IDP, I am unable to okay requests. I would also recommend that you send in a leave request WITH your original request to attend the training; sometimes we get your registration information but I really need that leave sheet. (This might help us in being more accurate and timely with leave forms as well.  Also, be wise in making your requests as I am being asked to pay close attention to the costs associated with professional development among ESU 4 staff. If I can use grant funds, I will and your requests will most likely be approved. If I cannot use grant funds, it might be iffy! 

According to the New York Times, there is no scientific research that proves that life is serious.
So... Lighten up!!!

Frog Update... From "Eat That Frog"... if you eat a frog first thing every day, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing that it's probably the worst thing that will happen to you all day. I'll be posting more as time goes on... but until then, don't be scared to 'eat that frog.'

Make a list (on a daily or weekly basis.) Circle your Frog. Tell someone...

ESU 4 Special Education Mission Statement and Belief Statements

ESU 4 Special Education:

Learning today for success tomorrow through a commitment to communication, accountability, and leadership.

Belief Statements:

A good education fosters the individual needs of each student.
All children have unique strengths and needs, and deserve an individualized, collaborative, quality education.
Every individual is worthy.
Individuals rise to meet expectations.

Program Supervision Mission Statement  (Special Education Director):

Supporting children, their families and the districts of ESU 4 through a commitment to communication, accountability and leadership.
Belief Statements:
We should provide districts with up-to-date information concerning IDEA, Rule 51, and other compliance and regulatory initiatives.
We assist in fostering positive relationships between districts and their families in supporting students.
We provide technical assistance to districts in support of student learning.
It is what it is.

ESU 4 Team 2010-2011 goals... COMMUNICATION: The ESU 4 Team will foster reciprocal communication by using multiple modes (e.g. newsletter, e-mail, personal contacts, on-site visits, web pages, pod-casting) to deepen stakeholder understanding of the ESU 4 mission to improve student learning. ACCOUNTABILITY: The ESU 4 team will utilize the recommendations that result from the AdvancED accreditation process, as well as share the implementation plan for addressing recommendations with stakeholder groups. The ESU 4 team will utilize fiscal resources to maintain current services/staffing and for training needs of ESU #4 team members. LEADERSHIP: The ESU 4 team will develop and implement a comprehensive ESU 4 plan for meeting the needs of all districts that maintains and/or increases stakeholder involvement. The ESU #4 Team will provide vision for the organization and its schools, as well as focus on continuous improvement of individual team members and the organization as a whole.

My Goals for 2010-2011...
COMMUNICATION:
     1) Complete training and broadcast webinars for special education teachers and administrators on special education issues.
     2) Increase efforts to promote ESU 4's mission within correspondence and via newspapers, newsletter, presentations and radio.
ACCOUNTABILITY:
     1) Develop a profile (or final report) that includes data from the ESU 4 Special Education staff sharing information about their services, staff development opportunities, evaluations, student achievement, program goals, outcomes data, etc.
     2) Implement a staff evaluation/development system that is research/evidence-based, includes the self assessment of professional skills, provides specific feedback to staff, and creates a foundation for each staff member's individual development/training plan. (QOE/PLN project.)
LEADERSHIP:
     1) Create a new staff/teacher orientation handbook, explaining the scope of services and mission of ESU 4/NCECBVI.
     2) Develop a profile (or final report) that includes data from the ESU 4 Special Education staff sharing information about their services, staff development opportunities, evaluations, student achievement, program goals, outcomes data, etc.

EMAIL ME IF YOU'VE READ MY GOALS... PLEASE ADD ANY COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS?

AND THEN SOME... ???
I'd still like to share your 'and then some' stories through the Monday Memo. I would also like you to look for examples of people sharing their 'Frogginess' which means that they are looking and moving forward to support ESU 4 and it's districts.

How to smile...

WAKE UP.
Show others you care by giving attention to their needs.
BE THANKFUL.
The opportunity to serve is a gift… not an entitlement.
BE APPROACHABLE.
We’re at each other’s service and contact is where it starts.
COMPLAIN LESS.
We’ve got work to do.
SMILE. REALLY.
It’s where pleasantness begins.

"Failure is in the EYES of the Beholder":

• Beethoven's music teacher once said of him, "As a composer, he is hopeless."
• Einstein was 4 years old before he could speak.
• Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team.
• A newspaper editor fired Walt Disney because he 'lacked imagination and had no good ideas.'
• Winston Churchill failed the sixth grade and had to repeat it because he did not complete the tests that were required for promotion.
• Babe Ruth struck out 1,380 times... a major league record.

HUSKER NATION: 

GO Huskers!!!

Isn't it a great day to be a Husker fan????
The correct answer is... ALWAYS!!!

A weekend off for the Huskers followed by a date with the 'Purple People' on Thursday!

Never stop playing the game! Go BIG RED! GO Big RED! GO BIG Red! GO BIG RED  

Educational Service Unit #4, Auburn, Nebraska