Good afternoon,
I know everyone is busily administering or preparing to administer state assessments. This is a busy month for everyone in all areas. Try to stay patient because the end is in sight.
The last couple of months I have sent you updates with special happenings for the current month. It seemed like many enjoyed this. So, here we go for the April “holidays.”
Did you know that April is National Humor Month? I guess we all need to be reminded at this time of the year to look at the funny side of things. It is stressful and hectic with all of the testing and end of year activities. So, lighten up and laugh. Ha!
Conveniently, April is also Stress Awareness Month. Gee! Stress? It is April and the end of a school year. Why would there be stress? Again, lighten up, laugh, and do something that is relaxing to relieve the stress and tension in your life. Health Science Educators, maybe you and your students can assist in this area.
April is also National Welding Month. Let’s give a shout out to all of our wonderful welding programs in the state. Looking at some of the posts on the web and in other online sources, you have some amazing things you can do and create from welding.
Horticulture and Agriculture programs, it is also your month again. This is Lawn and Garden month. With this said, I know many of you are preparing for your spring sales with those wonderful plants and flowers to sell.
April 7 is really special. There are several “important” holidays today. They include No Housework Day (I like this one!), Caramel Popcorn Day, and another one that might not be appropriate to post here. Trying to add a little humor here. See? Check out the links for other “important” holidays this month.
Below are some links with tips and ideas for welding instructors. Notice the first one. It is a grill using a barrel. Some of you might make these with your students and have a great business started!
http://www.1001gardens.org/2015/05/barrel-repurposed-into-fire-pit/#arvlbdata
http://www.roselypignataro.com.br/2014/02/reciclando-ferraduras.html
Horticulture and other agriculture educators, you will find some of these links useful. There are LOTS of lesson activities and teaching strategies on these websites. I trust you will take time to find new ideas to use.
http://www.khake.com/page81.html
http://www.hort.vt.edu/HORT6004/network/lessonplans.html
http://www.mnla.biz/?hscurriculum
Edutopia has a great pdf on stress management. I am going to attempt to attach it to this message. Take a moment to look at it. The link below is another one as well with stress management ideas for using with students.
As the school year begins to close, many are thinking of professional development needs. Remember we have many sessions available. You can look at the RCU Go Sign Me Up page to see upcoming sessions. Directions can be found directly on the page for registering for classes. Here is the link.
https://rcu.gosignmeup.com/Public/Course/Browse
Speaking of upcoming classes, we are going to have an Assessment 101 course for anyone interested in completing the two hour training. It will begin on Monday, April 25 and end on Sunday, May 8. Completion of this course will enable you to be eligible to participate in the IAD process. During IAD meetings that MDE invites you to attend, you and your colleagues write the assessment (and possibly curriculum) for your program areas. Completing the Assessment 101 course is the first step to being eligible to participate. Many curricula are up for revision in the next year or so. Look for the Assessment 101 General session. (This two hour session only has to be completed once.)
Don’t forget that MS ACTE is July 27 – 29, 2016. It will be held again at the Jackson Convention Complex in Jackson, Mississippi. Begin making plans now to attend. You can register for the conference on the RCU Go Sign Me Up site using this link. Great sessions are being arranged as I write for all in attendance.
https://rcu.gosignmeup.com/Public/Course/Browse
Remember if you have questions regarding assessment, Canvas, or professional learning, please send these to us through the Help Desk. You can email helpdesk@rcu.msstate.edu. Your email will be directed to the appropriate personnel for addressing.
Now, a funny to end the message in honor of National Humor Month and to relieve some stress…
Two factory workers talking:
First Worker: “I can make the boss give me the day off.”
Second Worker: “And how would you do that?”
First Worker: “Just wait and see.” The worker then hangs upside-down from the ceiling.
Boss comes in: “What are you doing?”
First Worker: “I’m a light bulb.”
Boss: “You’ve been working so much that you’ve gone crazy. I think you need to take the day off.”
The second worker starts to follow, and the boss says: “Where are you going?”
The second worker says: “I’m going home, too. I can’t work in the dark.”
Have a great day!
Michelle
stw-glenview-stress-reduction-activities
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