November News 2023

Dear Parents and Guardians - 

It is hard to believe that we are already in the month of November. The school year is racing by with Thanksgiving and the winter break right around the corner. 

At the end of October the PTO organized our annual Falloween celebration. Even though the weather was a bit colder, we had a very good turnout and the kids had a blast. It was great to see how many people stepped up to create a trunk or treat. I also appreciated seeing a number of new families doing different things to volunteer for the celebration. Parental involvement is a huge part of our success and really the only way we can pull off such amazing community events. 

During the first few weeks of this month teachers are engaged in half day planning sessions. These sessions provide teachers an opportunity to work as teams to unpack upcoming units and review grade level standards. Teachers also develop lessons based on backwards planning which means they start with the end in mind and work their way back to the beginning. Planning lessons in this manner provides clarity in terms of what students need to know and be able to do.

In partnership with our building instructional coach, teachers collaborate to unpack standards and set learning targets for students. The art of teaching is an elaborate process that takes time and thought if we want to ultimately do what is best for our students. I appreciate teachers working together to do this hard work and to reflect on ways to improve their practice. It is what makes Coyote Ridge Elementary such an amazing place for every child at every grade level at our school. 

Dr. Mike