UA+Team+Meetings

=//**__UA Team Meeting__ ~ 11/1/12**//=

__Present__: Natalie, Kathy, Annie and Karen L., Mary Lou

We reviewed the Fall Fun Festival. There was some concern about teachers not staying with their classes during activities. Kathy will bring this issue to the next Leadership meeting. We discussed the schedule for next Tuesday during Conference Day. We decided we will meet at 10 a.m. to start developing our individual web presences. Karen recommended: ~ go to Karen’s blog and read “What’s the Big Deal About Blogs?” August entry ~ be sure to click on the link “Blogs in Plain English” ~ go to other relevant websites and see how they are arranged ~ decide who your audience is ~ consider including links to outside websites that update automatically ~ sketch out ideas about your own website on a piece of paper Annie, Kathy and Natalie discussed the SIP schedule and how it might be tweaked for the next session.

// Notes taken by Karen L. and posted on the Underhill Team Meetings Wiki //

=//**__UA Team Meeting__ ~ 10/18/12**//=

__Present__: Ralene, Mary Lou, Natalie, Candace, Kathy, Annie and Karen L.

Candace: TIGER is coming Dec. 6th afternoon assembly whole school Mary Lou: will create a list of holidays that are relevant to our student population Annie: will attend 2nd grade meeting to see what that team might like to do this year Karen: looking for IIM Research projects related to the yearlong theme Ralene: sent a Google doc on assembly planning to the UA team. She would like suggestions via doc before sending it out to everyone. Fall Festival A schedule will be forthcoming once Ralene hears back from all teachers regarding specials.
 * Morning Assembly
 * Karen will teach students the “Gruesome Groaners” song to whole school through library classes. Natalie will find or create the CD.
 * Ralene: teachers seem to be okay about the schedule for the Fall Festival.
 * Karen will find an appropriate video to show during face painting with 4 copies (1 for each room where face painting will happen) set up.

// Notes taken by Karen L. and posted on the Underhill Team Meetings Wiki // =//**__UA Team Meeting__ ~ 9/20/12**//=

__Present__: Natalie, Kathy, Annie and Karen L.

Kathy talked about the Leadership Team Meeting, and what this group will be doing, including Imagine It walk-throughs., SAT referrals, etc. We talked about the next assembly and what/when that might be. Karen has emailed administration to get details. She demonstrated a Happy Birthday song that all agreed might be very appropriate. We discussed the Integrated UA Apple Project that Karen, Natalie and Annie are doing with five of the first grade classes. Natalie asked about the Enrichment period and discussion followed about the intent and schedule.

// Notes taken by Karen L. and posted on the Underhill Team Meetings Wiki //

=__UA Team Meeting__ ~ 9/4/12=

__Present__: Karen L., Kathy J., Natalie L., Annie W.

We reviewed the UA schedule for conflicts and to make sure we had a consistent understanding of how the changes will work this year. Natalie came up to speed on UA issues. We briefly discussed possible themes for this year’s literacy activities, and ways that UA might support that in the classroom through IIM research projects and the new UA Enrichment slots.

We will meet again after the next Staff Meeting to continue development of ideas for integration.

// Notes taken by Karen L. and posted on the Underhill Team Meetings Wiki //

** Unified Arts Team Meeting ~ May 24, 2012 **

12:40 pm in the Library

__Present__: Karen L., Candace, Kathy J., Annie, Natalie

Kathy went over the general procedures for Field Day. Janet is finalizing the schedule which be e-mailed to staff. Kindergarten has a separate Field Day scheduled for Thursday, June 14th. Kindergarten will not have specials on that day. We also discussed schedules for other upcoming events like the Teddy Bear Picnic. Karen offered to play the song over the loudspeaker during lunchtime that day.

// Notes taken by Karen L. and posted on the Underhill Team Meetings Wiki //

** Unified Arts Team Meeting ~ May 17, 2012 ** 12:40 pm in the Library __Present__: Karen L., Candace, Kathy J., Annie, Mary Lou, Drew

Candace shared her visit to Northampton School and their event, “Culture Fest: Storytelling Around the World” with the idea that this might replace/modify Student Expo night. We discussed what this might look like: ~ Does it replace Student Expo night? Expand upon it? ~ Can we incorporate International Reading Day? ~ It could be the foundation for IIM Research and the Artist-in-Residence. ~ The event could include performances and or digital presentations. ~ This is a way to encourage the entire community, including those with backgrounds from other cultures, and those who don’t necessarily have FCU students, to come to Underhill to see what we do. ~ Can we focus on the storytelling aspect of cultural traditions? This may or may not include hoidays/celebrations of different cultures. Mary Lou spoke about ePals website: [|www.epals.com] and how this might be used throughout the year. Drew suggested having a few teachers come to one of our planning sessions to represent different perspectives. Annie suggested we meet over the summer to plan further. Karen asked everyone to e-mail her with their ideas and suggestions and she will compile them for the purpose of discussion at a future meeting.

// Notes taken by Karen L. and posted on the Underhill Team Meetings Wiki //

** Unified Arts Team Meeting ~ May 3, 2012 **

12:30 pm in the Library

__Present__: Karen L., Natalie, Kathy J., Annie

We had a brief discussion about the Self-Evaluation video requirement. We all feel that this is a good strategy for learning, growing and improving our professional potential.

We talked about the agenda for the May Assembly on Friday, May 25th at 2:30:

~ K-Rich plant song

~ 1B + 1N Videos

~ 1W States Song

~ Memorial Day – Natalie will follow up with Drew to see how this assembly might include an observation of this day; she is teaching all students patriotic songs to sing as they arrive and as they leave.

~ 2N’s donation decision

We also discussed goals for next year.

We are going to try to meet at the Backroom on Thursday, May 10th 4 pm. Karen will send out an Evite to everyone on the UA Team.

// Notes taken by Karen L. and posted on the Underhill Team Meetings Wiki //

** Unified Arts Team Meeting ~ April 12, 2012 **

12:30 pm in the Library

__Present__: Karen L., Natalie L., Annie W., Kathy J., Candace L.

We discussed how the “Hands on backpacks, watch and walk!” system is going. We all agreed we need more help from the adults in the hallways to make this work.

April Assembly will include Drew’s dare for the Reading Challenge, as well as 1N + 1B Weather Habitats.

We discussed plans for author/illustrator Tedd Arnold’s visit to Underhill in June. If a class wants to use Tedd Arnold as their IIM research project, Annie would be willing to make a papier-mache “fly guy” with them. Karen will check with second grade.

We also went over some plans for Field Day.

We talked a little bit about Flag Day on June 14th. Second grade helpers/class might be willing to talk about the history of the flag.

Candace noted that “The Ned Show” will be presenting on Monday, May 7th in the Gym at 10:30 a.m.

//Notes taken by Karen L. and posted on the Underhill Team Meetings Wiki//

** Unified Arts Team Meeting ~ March 29, 2012 ** 12:30 pm in the Library

__Present__: Karen L., Natalie L., Kathy J., Annie W.

Karen introduced the idea of using a drum for a quiet signal. Natalie likes this idea and we will all use this signal so students know what the expectation is. We will demonstrate this at tomorrow’s assembly. The hope is that at the May assembly we will call all students to assembly with a large drum, expecting that students will walk in quietly.

Memorial Day? Will there be a separate assembly for this? > > // Notes taken by Karen L. and posted on the Underhill Team Meetings Wiki //
 * March:** Second Grade helpers will demo “Hands on Backpacks, Watch + Walk”
 * April:**
 * Literacy Culmination - (Drew)
 * Weather Reports (1B + 1N)
 * May:**
 * Geography (1W) and Flat Stanley (2nd Grade)
 * Growing song – Kindergarten (Rich)

** Unified Arts Team Meeting ~ March 15, 2012 ** 12:30 pm in the Library __Present__: Karen L., Natalie L., Kathy J., Candace L.

We reviewed the discussion about assemblies from last week’s meeting, particularly Candace’s ideas about reclaiming the stage and having less assemblies each year. Since we seem to be moving away from the PBIS/CARES assembly format, and moving toward Responsive Classroom, this might be a good time to make that change. As directed at the last UA Meeting, Karen proposed these ideas to administration. She said Drew liked the idea, but reserves the right to consider them over the summer as other changes may affect his decision.

// Notes taken by Karen L. and posted on the Underhill Team Meetings Wiki //

** Unified Arts Team Meeting ~ March 8, 2012 **

12:30 pm in the Library

__Present__: Karen L., Natalie L., Annie W., Kathy J., Candace L.

We quickly reviewed the last assembly and Penguin Presentation. The first graders were wonderful performers as well as audience members.

We reviewed for Candace (and ourselves) how assemblies have worked in the past. We also talked about the School Wide Events Committee meeting from yesterday, and some of the issues discussed at that meeting. Candace suggested moving toward less assemblies, with each grade level team taking on the responsibility for content and leadership with support from UA as requested. Since we seem to be moving away from the PBIS/CARES assembly format, and moving toward Responsive Classroom, this might be a good time to make that change.

We also reviewed the lack of stage use, and wondered if this might be a good time to “reclaim the stage” as Candace believes this might improve audience behavior. We’ll propose these changes to administration and see what they think of these ideas.

//Notes taken by Karen L. and posted on the Underhill Team Meetings Wiki//

** Unified Arts Team Meeting ~ January 26, 2012 ** 12:30 pm in the Library __Present__: Karen L., Natalie L., Annie W., Kathy J.

Coming up in Jan/Feb/March is:
 * __21st Century Learning/Arts Integration__**
 * We reviewed the assembly yesterday and talked about the timing. There are always concerns about which day is best to schedule assemblies, with pros and cons for each day. We also talked about the time crunch factor. Karen has requested a meeting with administration to discuss this, and the UA Team would like to be part of that discussion.
 * We talked about the “yearlong literacy theme” and how UA is involved with supporting that. Although the Literacy Activities Committee decided to recycle three themes, one each year over three years, we felt it may still be too complicated for this age level. Kare suggested a broad theme that lends itself to new interpretations each year, such as “Underhill Celebrates Reading Around the World”. This would provide opportunities to use cultural holidays, global studies and awareness of different ways of acknowledging the change of seasons to be the basis for our assemblies. We feel it would be more meaningful to students this age, since they tend to notice the passage of time from one major event to another, rather than by calendar or clock. Karen L. will see what Karen M. thinks of this idea.
 * Karen asked for help writing the grant to the NH State Council on the Arts that is due in March. This will be for an artist-in-residence for spring 2013. Since Kathy worked with the dance artist last year, and Annie is working with the comics artist this year, we would like to invite a music artist for next year. Natalie and Annie agreed to help with this grant.
 * IIM Research – Natalie is expecting music for the Penguin Follies from Anita and Melissa. Since the next assembly is scheduled for a Wednesday, she will not be here, so we will have to make arrangements for that.
 * 1) 1. Habitat Weather Reports (1N + 1B): Kim told Karen that she and Shannon will plan to meet with at UA next Thursday’s meeting.
 * 2) 2. Snowflake Bentley (2V): Ellyn has delayed starting this unit for a few weeks.
 * 3) 3. Famous People Living Museum (2Dev + 2G): Debbie came to B + B yesterday and reviewed the resources they might need for this, as well as the process for choosing/assigning famous people.

//Notes taken by Karen L. and posted on the Underhill Team Meetings Wiki//

** Unified Arts Team Meeting ~ January 5, 2012 ** 12:30 pm in the Library __Present__: Karen L., Natalie L., Kathy J., Annie W., Candace L.

NOTE: Karen will invite Candace onto the UA wiki

We discussed the preliminary plans for the January Assembly slated for Monday, 1/30. We reviewed the project we did last year, where Karen worked with second grade students to draw digital pictures based on “Wish for the World”, and Natalie taught the entire school the chorus to a song titled “Free at Last”. We presented the slideshow while students watched and sang the song. This could be done again this year. We also thought perhaps we could use this assembly to focus on cold weather rules, including dressing for the weather, staying safe on the playground, and how to stay healthy. Karen suggested a Readers Theater entitled “Get Well Good-Knight” Annie suggested a “Cool Tools” reminder about winter rules, and Natalie suggested “Dress Your Principal” to involve students in choosing appropriate cold weather clothes. Karen thought the health-related theme should involve Kathy and Nurse Cindy for this assembly. All of this will be presented at the School Wide Events Committee meeting next Wednesday. We reviewed for Candace (and ourselves) how assemblies have worked in the past. Karen related the conversation that she and Candace had regarding responsibilities around monthly assemblies. Candace will work with Karen over the next few months to get a feel for how Second Grade helpers works. Candace will begin thinking about how she would like to participate in the coming months. We also discussed the way that Literacy Activities might tie in to assemblies (themes) as well as artists-in-residence. Karen will be writing another grant to the NH State Council on the Arts to be submitted in March. Last year, the AIR worked with Kathy, this year the AIR will be working with Annie, so it would be great if next year’s AIR could work with Natalie (perhaps a world-cultures musician like Randy Armstrong). Coming up in Jan/Feb/March is: Karen related that 1M, K-Lynch, 2N are all finished with their IIM projects. Planning ahead: Not yet planned: K-Rich, K-Poisson, K-Boucher, 1W, 1Y, 2L, 2M, 2Dub
 * __21st Century Learning/Arts Integration__**
 * Assemblies
 * IIM Research
 * 1) Penguin Follies (1F + 1C): They are meeting this week and will have more information for us by our meeting next Thursday.
 * 2) Habitat Weather Reports (1N + 1B): We haven’t yet heard what they would like to do for this unit. Karen will send a reminder e-mail.
 * 3) Snowflake Bentley (2V): She has indicated that she will make time next week to meet with Karen for more detailed planning. Hopefully, more info will be available for next week’s meeting.
 * 4) Famous People Living Museum (2Dev + 2G): Originally, this was going to be a two-class IIM project. Karen met with Marnie yesterday at B + B, and it may become a whole grade project. Marnie is checking with the 2nd Grade team and will let us know. Karen had suggested that if so, they should break into data teams or small groups of 2-3 classes and present each Living Museum on a different day.
 * 1) 1Paw: Plant Glogster in April/May
 * 2F: Trees in April/May
 * 1) 2Pav: Life Cycle of the Frog in April/May

//Notes taken by Karen L. and posted on the Underhill Team Meetings Wiki//

** Unified Arts Team Meeting ~ Dec. 22, 2011 **

12:30 pm in the Library

__Present__: Karen L., Natalie L., Kathy J., Annie W., Candace L.


 * __21st Century Learning/Arts Integration__**

Karen went over the order and content for the Spotlight Assembly tomorrow afternoon. We discussed several possible issues and resolved them as best as we could. Natalie reviewed the set up for the seating. Kathy and Candace will handle the seating as people come in.

We agreed that we will tackle the upcoming winter projects (weather unit, penguin unit, Snowflake Bentley unit) as soon as we come back in January.


 * __Technology__**

We decided to have the screen and projector available for the Assembly tomorrow.


 * __Other__**

Candace reviewed strategies for dealing with difficult students in the UA classes. She suggested giving very clear directions and clearly stated expectations.

//Notes taken by Karen L. and posted on the Underhill Team Meetings Wiki//

** Unified Arts Team Meeting ~ Dec. 15, 2011 ** 12:30 pm in the Library

__Present__: Karen L., Natalie L., Annie W., Mary Lou D., Candace L.

Annie asked what others had submitted for their 21st Century Lessons. Karen and Natalie reviewed what they had done. We discussed ideas for lesson planning for the next trimester. We also reviewed what took place at the Literacy Activities Committee this morning. Annie suggested that if Natalie gives her recordings of music she can play them during Art Class to help familiarize students with learning songs, and connect what they are creating in art to what they are learning in music. Natalie put QR codes on the lyrics sheets she passed out for the Assembly and said that recordings and videos can also be accessed that way. We talked about the upcoming projects for January/February. Karen briefly explained the “green screen” technique. We agreed we should try to meet with the teachers planning projects for Jan/Feb/March as soon as possible so we can best support integration.
 * __21st Century Learning/Arts Integration__**

We agreed there has been a big shift in own perspectives…from “what do I do with this tech tool?” to “what tech tool do I need to accomplish this task?” Karen reviewed information from the Curriculum 21 Webinar held yesterday, sharing the quote: “No one who ever bought a drill wanted a drill. They wanted a hole.” It's the task that matters.
 * __Technology__**

We talked about the understanding of new literacies, as well as new skills, that are the impetus for planning 21st century lessons. We all agreed that we have come a long way in the past three years in particular, and that working together as a team has enabled us to be more effective. Collaboration is the key.

//Notes taken by Karen L. and posted on the Underhill Team Meetings Wiki//

** Unified Arts Team Meeting ~ Nov. 17, 2011 **

12:30 pm in the Library

__Present__: Karen L., Natalie L., Annie W., Mary Lou D.


 * __21st Century Learning/Arts Integration__**


 * Veterans’ Day Assembly review: We think it went quite well. Karen suggested we teach the students the song from the video for next year.
 * Next Student Spotlight: Natalie and Karen have been practicing with 2 Lyscars to present their project on Kindness. Annie made turkey headbands with the students. Karen will have second grade helpers do Thanksgiving jokes and riddles.
 * Annie reviewed her work with Debbie Lyscars to create digital photos for a project on Ants. Students worked on laptops in the Art Room to create an illustration and text demonstrating facts they have learned about ants. It went very well. Karen will help Debbie to put the images into a Keynote presentation with text.
 * Karen will send an e-mail to second grade teachers regarding their holidays from other countries unit. Karen and Annie will go to the 2nd Grade Team Meeting on Tuesday morning.


 * __Technology__**

We talked about Prezi as a presentation format. Karen showed the team the Prezi that Danette Noboa has been working on with her class as part of their IIM Research unit on Simple Machines.

//Notes taken by Karen L. and posted on the Underhill Team Meetings Wiki//

** Unified Arts Team Meeting ~ Nov. 10, 2011 ** 12:30 pm in the Library __Present__: Karen L., Natalie L., Kathy J., Annie W., Mary Lou D.

Natalie and Karen reviewed the plans for the following:
 * __21st Century Learning/Arts Integration__**
 * Veterans’ Day Assembly: each grade level performing a song, 2 Dubisz doing readings, Mr. Estey will be in his uniform and speak briefly about thanking a veteran, conclusion will be a video titled “Thank You, Veterans” which Karen will set up.
 * Next Student Spotlight: Natalie and Karen have been practicing with 2 Lyscars to present their project on Kindness: an iMovie will be shown, with the students performing in front of the video. The UA Team decided to focus on “turkey” as the theme for this assembly. Natalie will teach the students some songs, Karen will teach 1 Newcomb a poem to perform, Annie will be making turkey headbands with the students. Kathy may teach the students the “Turkey Pokey”. Mary Lou will work with her students so they understand the concept of Thanksgiving. Karen will put out a display with books about immigrants coming to America and celebrating their first Thanksgiving.
 * Annie will work with Karen L. and Debbie Lyscars to create digital photos for a project on Ants. Students will work on laptops either in the Library or in the Art Room to create an illustration and text demonstrating facts they have learned about ants.
 * We will ask teachers what their plans might be for the assembly in December. Is anyone focusing on holidays from other countries?

We talked about QR codes: what they are and how they might be used in an educational setting. Karen urged team members to access her blog since there are lots of great resources listed there. We talked about the Principal’s blog and had a discussion about some of the most recent posts.
 * __Technology__**

//Notes taken by Karen L.//

** Unified Arts Team Meeting ~ Nov. 4, 2011 **

12:30 pm in the Library

__Present__: Karen L., Natalie L., Kathy J.


 * __21st Century Learning/Arts Integration__**

Karen introduced a worksheet for meeting with teachers to discuss integration. It is from the Verizon Thinkfinity site. Kathy and Natalie looked it over and thought it would be a useful worksheet for documenting discussion, planning and resources. (see attached). Karen will put a copy in the UA team’s mailboxes and we will look at it again at the next meeting.

We talked about ways we could use technology in each of our areas. Kathy shared an idea that she received; a PE teacher using recording to show how students perform gymnastics moves like tumbling. We brainstormed ways to use iPads, Flip Videocams and playback options so students could record each other as a form of self-evaluation or documentation of process. Karen noted that this might be especially helpful in PE since the other arts (Art, Music, Library Media) all have “end products” for assessment purposes while PE doesn’t usually have a product to share.

Karen showed the rough version of the “Kindness” iMovie project with Mrs. Lyscars’ class. Natalie will be working with the class to learn the song. We talked about the timing and some presentation possibilities. This will be part of the Student Spotlight Assembly at the end of the month.


 * __Veteran’s Day Assembly__**

We discussed the plans for the Veterans’ Day Assembly to be held on Thursday, Nov. 10th. We are not sure yet if it will be in the a.m. or p.m. Natalie has a song for each grade level to share, and Karen will work with a second grade class to do the narration part of the presentation on the meaning of Veterans’ Day. Karen will rough out the Agenda for the Assembly and send it to everyone to look at.


 * __Brainstorm and Brownies__**

Karen L. thanked her team members for supporting this effort.

//Notes taken by Karen L. and posted on the Underhill Team Meetings Wiki//

** Unified Arts Team Meeting ~ Oct. 13, 2011 **

12:30 pm in the Library

__Present__: Karen L., Annie W., Natalie L., Kathy J., Mary Lou D.


 * __21st Century Learning__**

Mary Lou talked about Drew’s Principal’s Blog, and reviewed some of the information he presents. We discussed the posts, and also looked at Karen’s Library Link blog. Karen thanked those who popped in to “Brainstorm and Brownies” yesterday. We feel the UA team is making a sincere effort to utilize, integrate and support 21st century learning and teaching strategies. We will continue to talk about this as a team at each meeting.


 * __UA-K Meeting__**

Drew has set up a meeting with UA and Kindergarten for next Tuesday at 8:15 a.m. We discussed possible solutions to the issue of having K Aides stay with their students at specials. Kathy can’t be there, but we will present her ideas as well.


 * __21st Century Learning__**

There is some concern that teachers haven’t begun requesting UA support for integration but we believe it will begin to happen as observations get set up. In the mean time, we should be approaching teachers to be sure they are thinking about upcoming needs.

Karen introduced the idea of using Flat Stanley as a year-long project with Second Grade. Everyone felt this would be a great integrative unit, incorporating Art, Music, ESL, Library Media and Phys. Ed. Karen will talk to the Second Grade team to see what they think and report back at the next UA meeting.


 * __Student Spotlight__**

The next Spotlight Assembly will be held on Friday morning, Oct. 28th. We are on task for presenting Jokes and Riddles called “Gruesome Groaners”. Natalie and Karen will be teaching the students the chorus during Music and Library over the next two weeks.


 * __Culture Corner__**

Karen L. and Mary Lou briefly discussed getting ready to set up the Culture Corner in the Library Media Center.

//Notes taken by Karen L. and posted on the Underhill Team Meetings Wiki//

The next UA Team Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 20th at 12:30 in the Library.

** Unified Arts Team Meeting ~ Oct. 6, 2011 **

12:30 pm in the Library

__Present__: Karen L., Annie W., Natalie L., Kathy J., Karen G., Mary Lou D., Drew B.


 * __Kindergarten Aides at Specials__**

The Kindergarten teachers have asked Drew to approve NOT having Kindergarten aides stay with their classes during Specials. Drew asked us to consider ways to address this issue. After some discussion with everyone sharing their thoughts, Drew decided that he will set up a meeting with UA Team and K Team to figure out a possible solution.


 * __Student Spotlight__**

The next Spotlight Assembly will be held on Friday morning, Oct. 28th. Karen L. proposed the following:


 * the students will all learn “Gruesome Groaners” in Music Class with Natalie and Library Class with Karen L.,
 * Karen G. will play the song on her guitar, and between choruses,
 * Karen L. will have second grade helpers tell Halloween jokes to go along with our theme “Reading is Fun”.

Annie brought this plan to the SWEC and they think it is a great idea.


 * __Culture Corner__**

Karen L. and Mary Lou will be setting up a “Culture Corner” in the Library, where students from other countries can display items, books and basic information about the holidays celebrated in their cultures of origin. The first one will be DIWALI, the Indian Festival of Lights, on or about Oct. 26th. We hope this will help our ESL students feel more connected to the Underhill community, while raising awareness for the rest of the school.

//Notes taken by Karen L.//

The next UA Team Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 13th at 12:30 in the Library.