...5...4...We Have Ignition...3...2...1...Blast Off...

The rocket ship "Mr. Bill's Crew 2011-12"  has been launched.  We're on a lightning-fast trajectory toward academic and character growth!


Okay, a bit of a hokey metaphor, but it does capture the excitement of a new school year.  As a crew we are eagerly anticipating what we'll learn and become while the calendar hurdles on to June 2012.

To switch metaphors, the focus of our first two days together has been building a foundation.  We have done some work in each content area (math, reading, writing, etc), but our primary goal has been to learn the procedures and expectations that will allow the crew to be successful this year.  As a part of this, students have been learning that Mr. Bill likes acronyms to help remember important ideas. (for example, ask your child if he or she remembers what TIOSAAT means (Take It One Step At A Time)).  One of the main things we reviewed is the "Big 3" guidelines for student behavior at Renaissance:


1) You may engage in any behavior that does not create a problem for yourself or anyone else in the world.


2) If you find yourself with a problem, you solve it by any means that does not cause a problem for anyone else in the world.


3) You may engage in any behavior that does not jeopardize the safety or learning of yourself or others. Unkind words and actions will not be tolerated.