In TAG December 15-19

Upcoming Events
Mon 15 December Leadership visiting TAGs to sell candy grams

Tues 16 December - 18 Dec Bake Sale for Sammy
Tues 16 December Red and Green Day

Wed 17 December Holiday Hat Day (toques, Santa hats, antlers, etc.)

Thurs 18 December Tacky Sweater Day
Fri 19 December Christmas Assembly

Friday's Schedule
We have an adjusted schedule for Friday to accommodate our Christmas assembly:
A Block  8.30 - 9.20am  NO TAG in the morning
B Block  9.20 - 10.16am
Long Break 10.16 - 10.29 am
C Block 10.29 - 11.05 am
D Block 11.05 - 11.45 am
Lunch 11.45 - 12.36 pm
TAG Locker Clean Out and IRA 12.36 - 12.55pm  
Christmas Assembly 

Locker Clean Out on Friday
Notice any funky smells in the hallways lately?  That's the smell of dirty lockers.  Please ensure that students take all of their nasty belongings home for the holidays and throw out everything else.  The library would appreciate having their books returned as well.

Lion's Quest
There are no scheduled Lion's Quest lessons for this week.  

In TAG December 8-12

Upcoming Events
Mon 1 December Food Drive begins in TAG (ends 12 December)
Tues 9 December - 11 Dec Photos with Santa

Tues 9 December - 11 Dec Candygram Sales in the Main Hallway (Delivered on the 17th)

Thurs 11 December RCMP presentation in the afternoon

Tues 16 December - 18 Dec Bake Sale for Sammy

Tues 16 December Red White and Green Day

Wed 17 December Holiday Hat Day

Thurs 18 December Tacky Sweater Day
Fri 19 December Christmas Assembly

Food Drive Dec 1 - 12
This is our final week for food collection. At the end of the week TAGs will be asked to bring their food items to Middle Earth where leadership students will sort the food and make hampers. Here is a link to the information sheet: Brock Food Drive 2014
Here is a link to information about hunger in Canada with a video clip: Hunger Canada  

Looking for some Christmas Craft ideas for TAG?
Here are a few links that might be useful.  Feel free to decorate your room or hallway.  
6 Point Paper Snowflakes 
3D Paper Snowflakes 
Paper chains are always easy to do (coloured paper in the library, Middle Earth, and 203

Lions Quest this week...

Here is a copy of the tentative delivery schedule:

2014-2015 Lions Quest Delivery Schedule

On the schedule for this week:

Week 4 Dec 8-12

GRADE 7s Unit 1 Entering the Teen Years Lesson 6: My Journal - A Reflection of Me

GRADE 8/9s Unit 4 Improving Peer Relationships Lesson 5: Selecting Friends

In TAG Dec 1- 5

Upcoming Events
Mon 1 December Food Drive begins in TAG (ends 12 December)
Fri 5 December Pro-D Day
Tues 9 December - 11 Dec Photos with Santa

Tues 16 December Red White and Green Day

Wed 17 December Holiday Hat Day

Thurs 18 December Tacky Sweater Day
Fri 19 December Christmas Assembly

Food Drive Dec 1 - 12
All TAG classes should have received their Food Drive information and tree thermometer by now.  Boxes are available in the Middle Earth.  TAG classes will be asked to report on their goal so that we can start a school-wide tree thermometer to track our progress. Here is a link to the information sheet: Brock Food Drive 2014
Here is a link to information about hunger in Canada with a video clip: Hunger Canada  

Looking for some Christmas Craft ideas for TAG?
Here are a few links that might be useful.  Feel free to decorate your room or hallway.  
6 Point Paper Snowflakes 
3D Paper Snowflakes 
Paper chains are always easy to do (coloured paper in the library, Middle Earth, and 203

Lions Quest this week...

Here is a copy of the tentative delivery schedule:

2014-2015 Lions Quest Delivery Schedule

This week:

Grade 7 Classes: 

Unit 1 Entering the Teen Years Lesson 5 Part 2: Getting to Know You

Grade 8/9 Classes:
This week grade 8/9 classes are using supplementary Lesson 4b.  It is not included in your published packages, so here is the link: Lesson 4b (Dec 1-5)*

*I have also made a hard copy of each supplementary lesson.  These copies are posted on the bulletin board in the mailroom so you can make additional copies for yourself. 

Upcoming Events
Thurs 27 November Pep Rally in G block starting at 12:40
Fri 28 November Moustache Day
Mon 1 December Food Drive begins in TAG (ends 12 December)
Fri 5 December Pro-D Day
Tues 9 December - 11 Dec Photos with Santa

Tues 16 December Red White and Green Day

Wed 17 December Holiday Hat Day

Thurs 18 December Tacky Sweater Day
Fri 19 December Christmas Assembly

Lions Quest this week...

Here is a copy of the tentative delivery schedule:

2014-2015 Lions Quest Delivery Schedule

Last week we started with:

Grade 7 Classes: Unit 1: Entering the Teen Years Lesson 3.  

Grade 8/9 Classes: Unit 4: Improving Peer Relationships Lesson 4. 

This week:

Grade 7 Classes: 

Unit 1 Entering the Teen YearsLesson 4 Part 1: Getting to Know You

Grade 8/9 Classes:
This week grade 8/9 classes are using supplementary Lesson 4a.  It is not included in your published packages, so here is the link:

Lesson 4a (Nov 24-28)*

Next week we are using supplementary Lesson 4b:  

Lesson 4b (Dec 1-5)*

*I have also made a hard copy of each lesson.  These copies are posted on the bulletin board in the mailroom so you can make additional copies for yourself.  

In TAG November 17-21

Upcoming Events
Thurs 20 November Early dismissal for PT Interviews
Fri 21 November Pyjama Day sponsored by Hafeli
Thurs 27 November Pep Rally in G block starting at 12:40
Fri 5 December Pro-D Day
Fri 21 November Pyjama Day sponsored by Hafeli

Lions Quest begins this week...

This week we begin with our delivery of Lions Quest lessons.  

Here is a copy of the tentative delivery schedule:

2014-2015 Lions Quest Delivery Schedule

The schedule is a work in progress; however, it is pretty solid until the middle of January. I recommend printing off at least the first page and putting it with your TAG materials.

So...this week please ensure that each of your students has a "Changes and Challenges" workbook.  If you are short on workbooks, there are boxes of new books in Middle Earth.  They are stacked at the beginning of the aisle where TAG materials are stored.  Please help yourself to the books you need.  

Grade 7 Classes: Begin with Unit 1: Entering the Teen Years Lesson 3.  

Grade 8/9 Classes: Begin with Unit 4: Improving Peer Relationships Lesson 4. 

Please note that the next two weeks of grade 8/9 Lions Quest will use lessons that are supplementary to the books we have received.  I am providing the links here so anyone wanting to run them off ahead of time has access:

Lesson 4a (Nov 24-28)

Lesson 4b (Dec 1-5)

In TAG November 12-14

Upcoming Events
Tuesday 12-14 November Bake Sale to Support Courtyard Upkeep
Friday 14 November Tie Dye Day sponsored by Wasylik's TAG
A Pep Rally and a Moustache Day...Dates to be announced ASAP...

It's A Short Week...

It's a really short week, and it's just about time to start into our Lion's Quest materials again, so we are going to take a little break from Health and Career and do a survey.  Since our leadership students are going to scramble to pull together a pep rally in short order, we are looking for some ideas/feedback/input from your students.  Here is a little brainstorm activity that asks for their suggestions for our upcoming pep rally.  It's great when we have more students involved in planning and taking part, so this is a great opportunity for all students to have a voice.  Of course, we won't be able to do it all, but we will keep all suggestions in mind as we plan future events.  

Here's the survey:  Pep Rally Suggestions

I also found this website with pep rally ideas that may be helpful: Andy's Impact Presentations

The sooner you can provide your TAG's feedback, the better since we will need to start planning this week.

In TAG Nov 3-7

Upcoming Events

Monday 3 November Evacuation Drill and Whole School Photo
Friday 6 November Remembrance Day Assembly.

Monday 10 November Inservice Day.

Tuesday 11 November Remembrance Day - no school.

Tuesday 12-14 November Bake Sale to support courtyard upkeep.

Friday 14 November Tie Dye Day sponsored by Wasylik's TAG 

Health Education
This week we continue with our focus on health.  In counselling we often hear from kids that they struggle with getting a good sleep.  We know that healthy eating, adequate sleep, and regular exercise all contribute to good mental health.  So this week we are learning about sleep and physical activity:

Teen Sleep Quiz This link tests students' knowledge about sleep.  It includes answers as well.

How Much Sleep Do I Need? This link is a handout with good information about teens' sleep needs.  Even if you just read it ahead of time and share the information with students, that would be great.  Or, post it on an overhead for all to read.

Activity Tips for Teens - Public Health Website This website suggests activities for teens and the benefits of being physically active.  Consider ending this with brainstorming a list of the activities that your students do on a regular basis.  

In TAG October 27-31

Upcoming Events

October 27th-31th Halloween dance tickets on sale at lunch.

October 28th-30th Brock's Own Haunted House is open at lunch.

Friday 31 October is the Halloween Dance at lunch.

Friday 6 November Remembrance Day Assembly.

Monday 10 November Inservice Day.

Tuesday 11 November Remembrance Day - no school.

Tuesday 12-14 November Bake Sale to support courtyard upkeep.

Friday 14 November Tie Dye Day sponsored by Wasylik's TAG 

Bake Sale a Huge Success
Did you know that last week's bake sale raised over $200 for breast cancer research?  Thanks for your support, Brock!

Halloween Haunted House
The Haunted House opens this Tuesday-Thursday at lunch.  Entrance is through the room 125 doors closest to the girls' washroom in the back hallway.  Here's what students need to know:
*admission is 50 cents
*please wait respectfully in the lineup 
*please don't touch/grab/punch decorations or crew members
*keep moving (don't stop) in the haunted house

Pumpkin Carving
TAG teachers received instructions in their mailboxes.  Please send a runner to pick up your pumpkin on Monday morning from room 203.

Halloween Dance

The Halloween Dance is on Friday this week.  Here's what everyone needs to know:

*tickets are on sale for $2 everyday at lunch in the main hall

*students with pre-purchased tickets can go to the dance at 11:30 Fri

*tickets are $4 after 11:45 on Friday

*students may come and go from the dance once they've been stamped

*no food, drinks, or glow sticks in gym

*costumes are optional but encouraged

*lunch is extended for all students until the end of IRA

*teaching staff must supervise hallways and grounds starting at 12:30

Halloween Costumes
Students and staff are encouraged to wear costumes on Friday.  We will be counting participation rates for this event.  Please review the dress code rules with students and make sure they know these rules are enforced on Halloween.  Also, no masks, please.

Health Lesson
This week we have a lesson on personal hygiene.  I've included a quiz and answers that can be used with students.  How you use them is up to you.
Personal Hygiene quiz and information

Looking for Discussion Topics?
If you are interested in generating some meaningful discussions in your TAG class, I've found this potential site.  It's published by the New York Times and created by the Learning Network. It is an American site; however, I think there are a number of topics that may have relevance in your classroom or may prompt you to come up with new questions.  
Clicking on each question takes you directly to an article written about the issue.
Check it out...
182 Questions to Write or Talk About

What's Happening in TAG October 20-24

Upcoming Events

Thursday 23 October Grade 7s meet with leadership students in TAG
Thursday 24 October Pink Day and bake sale for Breast Cancer Awareness 

Friday 24 October Pro-D Day

October 28th-30th Brock's Own Haunted House is open at lunch.

Friday 31 October is the Halloween Dance at lunch.

Friday 6 November Remembrance Day Assembly.

Monday 10 November Inservice Day.

Tuesday 11 November Remembrance Day - no school.

Tuesday 12-14 November Bake Sale to support courtyard upkeep.

Friday 14 November Tie Dye Day sponsored by Wasylik's TAG 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
On Thursday 23rd, Carole's class is planning a Breast Cancer Awareness day on(because October is Breast Cancer Awareness month).  To that end, her class has planned a Pink Day on Thursday 23rd and a bake sale at recess and lunch the same day.

Would your TAG like to Sponsor a Theme Day?

It's not too late to sponsor a theme day.  There are plenty of Fridays throughout the year that you can claim.  

Health and Career Lessons

If you haven't finished reviewing the LIVE Matrix, please finish this up this week.  
 We will embark on a short personal hygiene unit as we wait for the Lions Quest books to arrive from the publisher.  This week the focus is on handwashing.  Here is a link to some useful information that can be used for handouts or overheads:
You could start with this interesting news article by the CBC that reports on the poor handwashing habits of Canadians:
 CBS News Report
 Then, move on to...
Why Should I Wash My Hands?  is all about the importance of hand washing in the prevention of the spread of infection.
When to wash and how to wash outlines when we should wash and how to wash
Handwashing Poster is a visual guide to hand washing.
Students can learn about how to wash their hands and then either make a hand washing poster or colour copies of the poster included here.  

Upcoming Events

Friday 17 October Jersey Day sponsored by Coleman.

Friday 24 October Pro-D Day

October 28th-30th Brock's Own Haunted House is open at lunch.

Friday 31 October is the Halloween Dance at lunch.

Friday 6 November Remembrance Day Assembly.

Monday 10 November Inservice Day.

Tuesday 11 November Remembrance Day - no school.

Friday 14 November Tie Dye Day sponsored by Wasylik's TAG 

Would your TAG like to Sponsor a Theme Day?

It's not too late to sponsor a theme day.  There are plenty of Fridays throughout the year that you can claim.  

LIVE Matrix Lessons

This week we had an assembly.  Behaviour in the assembly wasn't perfect.  Please take time to ask your students what worked and what didn't work at the assembly while reviewing the expectations.

This week we are focused on Classroom/Library Lessons.  Next week we will finish up the Matrix Lessons with Hallways and Off Campus.
Classroom and Library Lesson
Blank Matrix for Classroom Lesson
Classroom Cut Outs for Lesson
Classroom Scenarios for Lesson

In TAG October 6 - 10

Upcoming Events

Monday 6 October Photo day.

Thursday 9 October Reach Out Psychosis at 2:00 grades 8/9.

Friday 10 October is Twin Day sponsored by Stromgren's TAG.

Monday 13 October no school.

October 28th-30th Brock's Own Haunted House is open at lunch.

Friday 31 October is the Halloween Dance at lunch.

Friday 6 November Remembrance Assembly.

Monday 10 November Inservice Day.

Would your TAG like to Sponsor a Theme Day?

A big thank you to Ms. Stromgren's TAG class who have started the ball rolling this year and already asked to sponsor a school-wide theme day on October 10th.  If your TAG class would like to sponsor a theme day, this is what you need to know:

1. Pick a FRIDAY.  Check the Zimbra calendar to make sure it's  

    available.

2. Choose a theme.  Make sure it's accessible (easy for many to 

    participate and not too risky for our more timid students).

3. Notify Nikki.  I'll make sure it's on the Zimbra calendar and 

    the TAG blog.

4. Advertise your events.  Make posters, write announcements, 

    promote in TAG classes, etc.

5. Enjoy the school spirit!  

LIVE Matrix Lessons
This week we have an assembly for the grade 8 and 9 students, so it seems appropriate to cover our LIVE Matrix for assemblies:
Assemblies Lesson
Assemblies Lesson Handout
If you have time, and if you haven't already reviewed all of the LIVE Matrix rules for hallway and cafeteria, please complete these this week. 

In TAG September 29 - October 3

Getting in the Groove Yet?  
If you haven't already hit your stride yet with TAG, this week might be the ticket...

If you haven't been on the blog yet this year, check out the first post below for some helpful links.
Upcoming Events

Tuesday 30 September is Orange Shirt Day

Friday 3 October Leadership students meet grade 7s in TAG.
Monday 6 October Photo day.

Friday 10 October Theme day to be announced.

Orange Shirt Day
Please promote wearing an orange shirt on Tuesday.  More importantly, please explain WHY we have Orange shirt day.  Here is a link to the official Orange Shirt website.

Orange Shirt Day

Wanna Sponsor a Theme Day?

A big thank you to Ms. Stromgren's TAG class who have started the ball rolling this year and already asked to sponsor a school-wide theme day on October 10th.  If your TAG class would like to sponsor a theme day, this is what you need to know:

1. Pick a FRIDAY.  Check the Zimbra calendar to make sure it's  

    available.

2. Choose a theme.  Make sure it's accessible (easy for many to 

    participate and not too risky for our more timid students).

3. Notify Nikki.  I'll make sure it's on the Zimbra calendar and 

    the TAG blog.

4. Advertise your events.  Make posters, write announcements, 

    promote in TAG classes, etc.

5. Enjoy the school spirit!  

LIVE Matrix Lessons
If you haven't already started Matrix lessons, last week we started with ALL SETTINGS.  This week we are on to the first of the hallway and cafeteria lessons. 

Taking time to review the matrix with our students helps to set the tone and expectations for the year.
LESSON 1: ALL SETTINGS
For this lessons, you will need the following resources...
All Settings Lesson and Handouts
Blank LIVE Matrix

LESSON 2: HALLWAYS AND CAFETERIA LESSON 1
Here is the lesson plan...

Hallways and Cafeteria Lesson 1

While you are out in the hallways, please review proper etiquette:  walk on the right, hands to yourself, and feet off the benches.  Thank you for this.

Week 1 Welcome Back

Welcome back to school!  
Admin will have a number of tasks for you this week.  In addition to these start-up tasks, we will begin with Matrix lessons.

Why Are We Doing TAG?
The rationale for TAG can easily be lost as the year goes along.  The main purpose is building relationships and supporting students through the year.  Your are their cheerleader, their champion, and their advocate.  Have a look at this quick summary: 
What is the Point of TAG Anyway?

Setting Up Your TAG
Take the time this week to start relationship-building within your TAG.  Here are a few ice breakers that might be helpful:
40 Ice Breakers


Binder and Page Set-Up
We have universal expectations for organizing binders and notes at Brock.  Here is a template for your students:
Handout for Page Set-Up and Binder Set-Up


LIVE Matrix Lessons
It's time again to start our year with a review of the LIVE Matrix.  Taking time to review the matrix with our students helps to set the tone and expectations for the year.
LESSON 1: ALL SETTINGS
For this lessons, you will need the following resources...
All Settings Lesson and Handouts
Blank LIVE Matrix