ESU 4 Special Education - January 31, 2011

Monday Memo

January 31, 2011  

Do something today that will make some one else's day great!!

"Be extraordinary in the ordinary things in life." -Unknown
Courageously leading a dynamic revolution in Education!
“The key to change... is to let go of fear.” ~Rosanne Cash

**Attendance sheets will be due Feb 1st... 

**Observation (Evaluation) Schedules... Here's the schedule so far:

Wednesday, February 2nd - Amy Jobe (8:45 @ LC); Joel Halpine @ LC/a.m.
Thursday, February 24th - Ellen Cain (8:45 @ LC)
Monday, February 28th - Gail Palmer (2:15 @ JB)
Wednesday, March 2nd - Diane Jergensen (9:00 @ Cook)
Monday, March 7th - Denise Buethe (8:10 @ JB)
Tuesday, March 8th - Christy Tanner (8:15 @ TR)
Monday, March 14th - Julinne Moore (1:00 @ H)
Thursday, March 31st - Aimee Daily (3:30-ish @ JB)

Check to make sure that I have the time and date correct for you. If you do not see your name, that means I've either missed it on my calendar or we haven't finalized a date, time and location yet. Please get in touch with me to finalize! 

Time Management 101... In the interest of trying to support some of you who are still working on the resolution to be better organized in 2011, I found this article from the Harvard Business Review booklet by way of the "Marshall Memo" that is sent to ESUs every couple of weeks. CEO Peter Bregman recommends a 4 step-process each day... 
1) Plan for the day (5 minutes)... before you even turn on the computer! Make your list; similar to decide which "frog" you're going to eat. 
2) Calendar the day... take out your calendar and schedule your top priorities into specific time slots, putting the hardest and most important items earlier in the day. (Sound familiar, frog fans?)
3) Refocus for one minute every hour... set your phone, watch, computer to ring every hour. When it rings, stop what you're doing, take a deep breath, look at your list and ask if your last hour was productive. Then, look at your calendar and recommit yourself to how you're going to use the next hour.
4) Review (5 minutes)... At the end of the day, shut off your computer and look back on the day. What worked? Did you get distracted? What can you do better tomorrow?

Try this and see how it works... report back on all your success!!! 

(You can report back by 'commenting' on this blog page below! Try it out! Just once! Just hit 'post a comment'... come on! You know you want to!!)

**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; you will have two different mileage figures...

Go for it
Run toward it
Dive in head first
Live life with no regrets
Put your heart out there
...Don't be scared you might get hurt, but its all worth it in the end... THE BEST IS YET TO COME

**Weather reminder... I can't believe that winter 'snuck up' on me! Generally, I post the weather reminders about making sure that you are aware of the weather, on the districts' contact lists, etc. However, this year, I missed the opportunity! So, better late than never... it's convenient when all the ESU 4 districts close at the same time, however, be aware that weather conditions are often different throughout our ESU. If you have any questions or concerns about weather and roads, please call ahead to your schools and learn about conditions. If you have any concerns about safety, make the safe choice. Please make sure that your districts are aware of weather conditions as you are driving. Thus endeth the yearly sermon about weather safety! ;-) (Posted 1/11/11, EJS)

Upcoming Staff Development...

 - Writing Measurable Goals... WEBINAR Series, Session #1! It seemed to go over very well. For those of you who asked for the webinar to be taped, I did get most of it recorded. However, I haven't learned how to make that recording available to you... yet. As soon as I do, I will let you know. The next Webinar session is Monday, March 7th... register on the ESU 4 website!

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 reflections from the following people... Amy Jobe, Denise Buethe, Kathy Novak, and Joel Halpine. For those of you who do not teach specific lessons, please reflect upon a testing session or a meeting. (Updated 1/12/11 - EJS)

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!!! 

HUSKER NATION: 

When is 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 - January 24, 2011

Monday Memo

January 24, 2011

“The key to change... is to let go of fear.”
~Rosanne Cash

"Be extraordinary in the ordinary things in life." -Unknown
Courageously leading a dynamic revolution in Education! 

**Attendance sheets will be due Feb 1st... 

**Observation (Evaluation) Schedules... I have been emailing with many of you to get the evaluation schedule set. If you have not responded to my initial email, the time to do it is NOW! As we prepare for the observations, staff must complete the worksheet titled "Interview Protocol for a Preconference." Remember that we are not actually meeting prior to the observation but I would like you to complete this worksheet prior to the observation. I would like to have the schedule nailed down by the end of this week... Observations will start next week. (Updated 1/24/11)

Time Management 101... In the interest of trying to support some of you who are still working on the resolution to be better organized in 2011, I found this article from the Harvard Business Review booklet by way of the "Marshall Memo" that is sent to ESUs every couple of weeks. CEO Peter Bregman recommends a 4 step-process each day... 
1) Plan for the day (5 minutes)... before you even turn on the computer! Make your list; similar to decide which "frog" you're going to eat. 
2) Calendar the day... take out your calendar and schedule your top priorities into specific time slots, putting the hardest and most important items earlier in the day. (Sound familiar, frog fans?)
3) Refocus for one minute every hour... set your phone, watch, computer to ring every hour. When it rings, stop what you're doing, take a deep breath, look at your list and ask if your last hour was productive. Then, look at your calendar and recommit yourself to how you're going to use the next hour.
4) Review (5 minutes)... At the end of the day, shut off your computer and look back on the day. What worked? Did you get distracted? What can you do better tomorrow?

Try this and see how it works... report back on all your success!!! 

(You can report back by 'commenting' on this blog page! Try it out! Just once!)

**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; you will have two different mileage figures...

Go for it
Run toward it
Dive in head first
Live life with no regrets
Put your heart out there
...Don't be scared you might get hurt, but its all worth it in the end... THE BEST IS YET TO COME

**Weather reminder... I can't believe that winter 'snuck up' on me! Generally, I post the weather reminders about making sure that you are aware of the weather, on the districts' contact lists, etc. However, this year, I missed the opportunity! So, better late than never... it's convenient when all the ESU 4 districts close at the same time, however, be aware that weather conditions are often different throughout our ESU. If you have any questions or concerns about weather and roads, please call ahead to your schools and learn about conditions. If you have any concerns about safety, make the safe choice. Please make sure that your districts are aware of weather conditions as you are driving. Thus endeth the yearly sermon about weather safety! ;-) (Posted 1/11/11, EJS)

Upcoming Staff Development...

 - Writing Measurable Goals... WEBINAR Series, Session #1! Monday, January 24, 2011 (3:45 - 5:00 p.m.) All ESU 4 Certified staff need to register and participate in this webinar series... No travel involved. Just a computer! Everyone who participates will receive a copy of "Writing Mearuable IEP Goals and Objectives" by Barbara Bateman/Cynthia Herr. Register via the on-line registration website. NOTE: We will be able to record all webinars. If you need to participate via the recorded webinar, let me know and I will get you that information!

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 reflections from the following people... Amy Jobe, Denise Buethe, Kathy Novak, and Joel Halpine. For those of you who do not teach specific lessons, please reflect upon a testing session or a meeting. (Updated 1/12/11 - EJS)

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...We continue to have trouble with getting all the forms we need, when we need. When you are submitting a request to 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!

HUSKER NATION: 

When is 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 - January 17, 2011

Monday Memo
Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 17, 2011

"You do not really understand something unless you can explain it to your grandmother." - Albert Einstein

"Be extraordinary in the ordinary things in life." -Unknown
Courageously leading a dynamic revolution in Education! 

**Time Sheets and Expense Forms are Due (by Monday, January 17, 2011) Please plan to get them into the office accordingly!!

 

**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; you will have two different mileage figures...

**Schedules... I posted this comment last week and due to the lack of response (I only received 3 schedules from certified staff), I am asking again... I need everyone's weekly schedule ASAP, specifically those who are itinerant and can be found in different locations on different days. I am developing a schedule for everyone's formal professional evaluation. This year, I'd like to set up a schedule rather than the hit and miss efforts of the past. So... please share your schedule with me by the end of this week (January 14, 2011). Thank You! I will have a schedule ready to go by next week... Thanks to Ellen Cain, Denise Buethe and Christy Tanner for reading the memo and submitting your schedules! Note: Speech staff can scroll down on this website to see what information I have for you. If it's okay... I need to know. If it's changed, I need to know. 

Go for it
Run toward it
Dive in head first
Live life with no regrets
Put your heart out there
...Don't be scared you might get hurt, but its all worth it in the end... THE BEST IS YET TO COME

**Weather reminder... I can't believe that winter 'snuck up' on me! Generally, I post the weather reminders about making sure that you are aware of the weather, on the districts' contact lists, etc. However, this year, I missed the opportunity! So, better late than never... it's convenient when all the ESU 4 districts close at the same time, however, be aware that weather conditions are often different throughout our ESU. If you have any questions or concerns about weather and roads, please call ahead to your schools and learn about conditions. If you have any concerns about safety, make the safe choice. Please make sure that your districts are aware of weather conditions as you are driving. Thus endeth the yearly sermon about weather safety! ;-) (Posted 1/11/11, EJS)

Upcoming Staff Development...

 - ASD Cadre, Friday, January 21st... 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. @ ESU 4.  Register via the on-line registration website!
 - Writing Measurable Goals... WEBINAR Series, Session #1! Monday, January 24, 2011 (3:45 - 5:00 p.m.) All ESU 4 Certified staff need to register and participate in this webinar series... No travel involved. Just a computer! Everyone who participates will receive a copy of "Writing Mearuable IEP Goals and Objectives" by Barbara Bateman/Cynthia Herr. Register via the on-line registration website. NOTE: We will be able to record all webinars. If you need to participate via the recorded webinar, let me know and I will get you that information!

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 reflections from the following people... Amy Jobe, Denise Buethe, Aimee Daily, Kathy Novak, and Joel Halpine. For those of you who do not teach specific lessons, please reflect upon a testing session or a meeting. (Updated 1/12/11 - EJS)

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...We continue to have trouble with getting all the forms we need, when we need. When you are submitting a request to 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!

HUSKER NATION: 

When is 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

Speech Schedules... (as of January 12, 2011)

ESU 4 Speech-Language 

Courageously leading a dynamic revolution in education. 

Our vision is Communication... Spread the news!

In order to lead a courageous revolution, we will:

• provide information for teachers and administrators about communication and speech-language through staff development, our blog, newsletters, technology, etc. 
• consciously participate/initiate more face-to-face interactions with teachers, sharing our support and telling our story! We will model the behavior we expect of our students.

ESU 4 Speech Staff... we need to update our schedules. Per my request on the Monday Memo, I would like to have everyone's schedule sent in ASAP. If your schedule is below and is correct, please let me know.

Thanks! -E

Diane Jergensen:
Monday -
Tuesday -
Wednesday -
Thursday -
Friday -

Shelly Kucera:
Monday -
Tuesday -
Wednesday -
Thursday -
Friday -

Julinne Moore:
Monday -
Tuesday -
Wednesday -
Thursday -
Friday -

Gail Palmer:
Monday -
Tuesday -
Wednesday -
Thursday -
Friday -


Wenona Fischer:
Monday -
Tuesday -
Wednesday -
Thursday -
Friday -

Heather Leuenberger:
Monday -
Tuesday -
Wednesday - 
Thursday -
Friday - 

Christy Tanner:
Monday -
Tuesday -
Wednesday -
Thursday -
Friday -

ESU 4 Special Education - January 11, 2011

Monday Memo on Tuesday

January 11, 2011

"Be extraordinary in the ordinary things in life." -Unknown

Courageously leading a dynamic revolution in Education! 
Are you willing to courageously lead the revolution???

**Time Sheets and Expense Forms are Due (by Monday, January 17, 2011) Please plan to get them into the office accordingly!!

**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; you will have two different mileage figures...

Go for it
Run toward it
Dive in head first
Live life with no regrets
Put your heart out there
...Don't be scared you might get hurt, but its all worth it in the end... THE BEST IS YET TO COME

**Schedules... I need everyone's weekly schedule ASAP, specifically those who are itinerant and can be found in different locations on different days. I am developing a schedule for everyone's formal professional evaluation. This year, I'd like to set up a schedule rather than the hit and miss efforts of the past. So... please share your schedule with me by the end of this week (January 14, 2011). Thank You! I will have a schedule ready to go by next week...

**Weather reminder... I can't believe that winter 'snuck up' on me! Generally, I post the weather reminders about making sure that you are aware of the weather, on the districts' contact lists, etc. However, this year, I missed the opportunity! So, better late than never... it's convenient when all the ESU 4 districts close at the same time, however, be aware that weather conditions are often different throughout our ESU. If you have any questions or concerns about weather and roads, please call ahead to your schools and learn about conditions. If you have any concerns about safety, make the safe choice. Please make sure that your districts are aware of weather conditions as you are driving. Thus endeth the yearly sermon about weather safety! ;-)

Upcoming Staff Development...

 - ASD Cadre, Friday, January 21st... 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. @ ESU 4.  Register via the on-line registration website!
 - Writing Measurable Goals... WEBINAR Series, Session #1! Monday, January 24, 2011 (3:45 - 5:00 p.m.) All ESU 4 Certified staff need to register and participate in this webinar series... No travel involved. Just a computer! Everyone who participates will receive a copy of "Writing Mearuable IEP Goals and Objectives" by Barbara Bateman/Cynthia Herr. Register via the on-line registration website. NOTE: We will be able to record all webinars. If you need to participate via the recorded webinar, let me know and I will get you that information!

Google Account information... update the office with your google account information so that we can share forms and documents. I am still missing a few names/addresses. 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 reflections from the following people... Amy Jobe, Denise Buethe, Aimee Daily, Kathy Novak, and Joel Halpine. For those of you who do not teach specific lessons, please reflect upon a testing session or a meeting. (Updated 1/12/11)

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...We continue to have trouble with getting all the forms we need, when we need. When you are submitting a request to 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!

HUSKER NATION: 

When is 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

TO BE RE-SCHEDULED...

The Autism (ASD) Training webinar for para-educators set for today, Monday, January 10, 2011, has been postponed. Participants will be informed as to when the webinar will be rescheduled... Please stay safe and warm!

ESU 4 Special Education - January 4, 2011

Monday Memo

January 4, 2011
Happy New Year!!!May all your resolutions be 'do-able!'

Go for it
Run toward it
Dive in head first
Live life with no regrets
Put your heart out there
...Don't be scared you might get hurt, but its all worth it in the end...
THE BEST IS YET TO COME

Courageously leading a dynamic revolution in Education! 
Are you willing to courageously lead the revolution???

ATTENDANCE SHEETS ARE DUE!!!

 

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.

Upcoming Staff Development...

 - ASD Cadre, Friday, January 21st... 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. @ ESU 4.  Register via the on-line registration website!
 - Writing Measurable Goals... WEBINAR Series, Session #1! Monday, January 24, 2011 (3:45 - 5:00 p.m.) All ESU 4 Certified staff need to register and participate in this webinar series... No travel involved. Just a computer! Everyone who participates will receive a copy of "Writing Mearuable IEP Goals and Objectives" by Barbara Bateman/Cynthia Herr. Register via the on-line registration website.

Google Account information... update the office with your google account information so that we can share forms and documents. I am still missing a few names/addresses. 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! (Were we even there? Should've kept playing!) Go BIG RED! GO Big RED! GO BIG Red! GO BIG RED  Educational Service Unit #4, Auburn, Nebraska