Dino Park Party a Big Success

Hundreds of Ogden and Weber teachers, employees and kids braved a frigid October evening and enjoyed a truly spooktacular evening at the Eccles Dinosaur Park party sponsored by Horace Mann Insurance. Many of the kids (and some parents) came in costume and enjoyed finding our OEA and WEA leaders for treats. We actually had to buy more candy after seeing the big turnout. Thanks to all who participated and helped out. The park is beautifully decorated and truly spooky. Thanks again to the staff at the park for all of their help.

Thanks again.
Rick

Equalized Education Funding

Read Elizabeth Stuart's entire article about equalization of education funding at www.deseretnews.com

Rick

Dress Warmly for Monday's Dino Park Party

I guess our nice fall is moving away and winter is around the corner. We are looking forward to seeing you all and your guests on Monday, October 25th at the Eccles Dinosaur Park for our annual party. We will open at 6 and finish at 8. dress the kids warmly and we will have treats for the kids. The concessions will be open (hot cocoa sounds good), but we will not be serving dinner. Horace Mann is our sponsor and is paying for your admission into the park. Please bring your flyer and HM info filled in or grab one at our table at the gate. See you there...brrrrrr. The Halloween decorations are spooktacular... Rick

Dress Warmly for Monday'

Good Education Requires Right to Fire Poor Teachers

Read Molly Farmer's entire article about the panel (included UEA's President Gallagher-Fishbaugh) that screened "Waiting for Superman" at www.deseretnews.com

UEA Convention Speaker: Collaboration leads to school success

Author Alan Blankstein ("Failure is not an option: six principles that guide student achievement in high performing schools") delivered the keynote address about collaboration at the UEA's annual convention last Friday. Blankstein is also the president and founder of the HOPE (harnessing Optimism Potential through Education) nonprofit organization that works with schools to develop successful leadership teams and school cultures.

Rick

Lawmakers consider all-day kindergarten

On October 6th Molly Farmer wrote in the Deseret News:

"The state is considering if and how to fund optional extended-day kindergarten throughout Utah."

Brenda Hales, associate Superintendent from the State Office of Education, told lawmakers about the pilot program in its fourth year that is currently serving more than 8,000 students. Teaching students for a full day instead of half has been proven to dramatically improve a child's literacy, particularly for at-risk children. When children show up on their first day of class, some have never been read to, while others can read full paragraphs and spell their names.

We will have to monitor this legislation in January as funding talks begin.

Rick