Ugh, I'm neglecting the blog.
Greeted students as they arrived.
Caught up with e-mail.
Made my way around all the classrooms.
Helped a student understand that a very important priority of the adults at school is to keep kids safe.
Scheduled some recess and lunch detentions.
Went outside for recess with 4th grade.
Sat with students during their recess/lunch detention.
Attended a meeting with a family and building staff.
Made my way around the specialists.
Dismissal duties.
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
April 15, Bristol
Greeted students as they arrived to school.
Talked with principal for a while about professional trajectory.
Gave tour to a family looking to move into WG.
Visited classrooms.
Much office work today.
Dismissal duties.
Talked with principal for a while about professional trajectory.
Gave tour to a family looking to move into WG.
Visited classrooms.
Much office work today.
Dismissal duties.
April 14, Bristol
Greeted students as they arrived.
Morning announcements.
Fire drill! We made it out under two minutes which is pretty great considering we have 450 kids and a large staff.
Started making my way around classrooms. Visited K, 1st and some 2nd.
Went to Clark for Family Group time. Scavenger hunt with my eight kids!
Visited 3rd, 4th and 5th grade classrooms. Lost of MAP prep going on in classes. MAP starts April 15.
Popped in on recesses and lunches.
Worked on evals and setting up eval meetings.
Dismissal duties.
Morning announcements.
Fire drill! We made it out under two minutes which is pretty great considering we have 450 kids and a large staff.
Started making my way around classrooms. Visited K, 1st and some 2nd.
Went to Clark for Family Group time. Scavenger hunt with my eight kids!
Visited 3rd, 4th and 5th grade classrooms. Lost of MAP prep going on in classes. MAP starts April 15.
Popped in on recesses and lunches.
Worked on evals and setting up eval meetings.
Dismissal duties.
Monday, April 13, 2015
April 13, Clark
Whoa. I obviously didn't make this blog a priority over the last couple of weeks. Sad thing is, I've seen some amazing things in classrooms, spent some quality time with students and have learned so much in the past two weeks and none of it was recorded here. Oh well. Moving on.
Greeted students as they arrived. Specifically, greeted two new students who have just moved from Canada and who have been home schooled. This is a brand new experience for them on so many levels!
Morning announcements.
Stepped into an IEP meeting as district rep.
Visited all classrooms except for 4th grade. Saw some great teaching and spot on student engagement.
Attended all the recess duties from 10:55-1:35.
Ate lunch with student serving lunch detention.
Worked on and finished Clark TA evals. Sent to principal for revising/editing.
Visited 4th grade classrooms.
Sat with a student serving ISS.
To Bristol for staff meeting.
Greeted students as they arrived. Specifically, greeted two new students who have just moved from Canada and who have been home schooled. This is a brand new experience for them on so many levels!
Morning announcements.
Stepped into an IEP meeting as district rep.
Visited all classrooms except for 4th grade. Saw some great teaching and spot on student engagement.
Attended all the recess duties from 10:55-1:35.
Ate lunch with student serving lunch detention.
Worked on and finished Clark TA evals. Sent to principal for revising/editing.
Visited 4th grade classrooms.
Sat with a student serving ISS.
To Bristol for staff meeting.
March 30, Bristol
Started the morning at Clark. Found out the Bristol principal was sick so headed to Bristol to help out.
Greeted students arriving at school.
Morning announcements.
Visited all classrooms except the 4th grade classrooms.
Intervened for a student who needed redirecting.
Worked on evaluations of support staff at both Bristol and Clark.
Sat with another student sent to me who needed help.
Visited 4th grade classrooms.
Lunch and recess duties.
Afternoon dismissal duties.
Greeted students arriving at school.
Morning announcements.
Visited all classrooms except the 4th grade classrooms.
Intervened for a student who needed redirecting.
Worked on evaluations of support staff at both Bristol and Clark.
Sat with another student sent to me who needed help.
Visited 4th grade classrooms.
Lunch and recess duties.
Afternoon dismissal duties.
Monday, March 30, 2015
March 27, Clark
Meeting with principal re evaluations.
Made my way around all the classrooms.
Sat with a student who was serving ISS.
Did recess/lunch duties with each grade level.
Started working on Bristol evaluations.
Dismissal duties.
Made my way around all the classrooms.
Sat with a student who was serving ISS.
Did recess/lunch duties with each grade level.
Started working on Bristol evaluations.
Dismissal duties.
Friday, March 27, 2015
March 26, Clark
Seems like it has been a while since I've been here!
Greeted teachers throughout the building. (Funny how a building's layout can make this an easy task. This would not be easy at Bristol.)
Greeted students as they arrived at Bristol.
Morning announcements.
Made my way around all the classrooms.
Two of our students are moving to Japan so attended their going away parties in their classrooms.
Monitored three recesses and lunches.
Helped four other educators help a child get in from recess. Got very muddy in the process. Haha.
Shoved food in my face very quickly. :)
Did some work on MAP prep for teachers.
Started thinking about and preparing MAP training for those who proctor and administer the test.
Dismissal duties.
Greeted teachers throughout the building. (Funny how a building's layout can make this an easy task. This would not be easy at Bristol.)
Greeted students as they arrived at Bristol.
Morning announcements.
Made my way around all the classrooms.
Two of our students are moving to Japan so attended their going away parties in their classrooms.
Monitored three recesses and lunches.
Helped four other educators help a child get in from recess. Got very muddy in the process. Haha.
Shoved food in my face very quickly. :)
Did some work on MAP prep for teachers.
Started thinking about and preparing MAP training for those who proctor and administer the test.
Dismissal duties.
Thursday, March 26, 2015
March 25, Bristol
Conference with a teacher upon arrival.
Greeted students as they arrived at school.
Visited K and 1st grade classrooms.
Meeting with FACE director. FACE is Family/Community Engagement program that our school district provides families with children birth-K.
Visited 2-5th grade classrooms. Saw a lesson on
Spent time in my office with a student.
Had lunch with three 5th graders who earned a lunch with me. (Poor kids.)
Took part in the 2nd grade placements
Went to Crestview Middle School in Rockwood to talk about an initiative they are doing to reach students who are on the cusp of moving in a positive direction but need a little help.
Greeted students as they arrived at school.
Visited K and 1st grade classrooms.
Meeting with FACE director. FACE is Family/Community Engagement program that our school district provides families with children birth-K.
Visited 2-5th grade classrooms. Saw a lesson on
Spent time in my office with a student.
Had lunch with three 5th graders who earned a lunch with me. (Poor kids.)
Took part in the 2nd grade placements
Went to Crestview Middle School in Rockwood to talk about an initiative they are doing to reach students who are on the cusp of moving in a positive direction but need a little help.
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
March 24, Bristol
It's a rainy day. Feeling wiped but need to be up for the students. They need our best!
E-mailed with a teacher who is brainstorming ways to clearly communicate with parents.
Greeted students as they arrived.
Brainstormed with a teacher about professional next steps.
Visited K-3 classrooms. Witnessed the second graders playing "Guess My Shape" as they worked to become more and more familiar with geometric definitions. (4th graders are at Jeff City exploring our state's capital.)
Made sure building was secure by checking all doors.
Visited 5th grade classrooms.
Spent time with a student who needed some redirection.
Helped another student get to class.
Looked at data from other districts and compared to WG. Interesting to see the difference across the state.
Took part in the K placement meeting. This is where the K teachers come together and put their students into 1st grade classrooms for the next year. These meetings here at Bristol will take place over the next two weeks at all grade levels.
Dismissal duties.
E-mailed with a teacher who is brainstorming ways to clearly communicate with parents.
Greeted students as they arrived.
Brainstormed with a teacher about professional next steps.
Visited K-3 classrooms. Witnessed the second graders playing "Guess My Shape" as they worked to become more and more familiar with geometric definitions. (4th graders are at Jeff City exploring our state's capital.)
Made sure building was secure by checking all doors.
Visited 5th grade classrooms.
Spent time with a student who needed some redirection.
Helped another student get to class.
Looked at data from other districts and compared to WG. Interesting to see the difference across the state.
Took part in the K placement meeting. This is where the K teachers come together and put their students into 1st grade classrooms for the next year. These meetings here at Bristol will take place over the next two weeks at all grade levels.
Dismissal duties.
Monday, March 23, 2015
March 23, Bristol
Spring Break was a great time of rest and relaxation. Went to Universal with my 12 year old. Great time of reconnecting/bonding with her. :Loved every minute.
Greeted students as they arrived to school.
Made my way to K-3rd grade classrooms.
Data entry from the K visits I did in early March. Sent them on to the social worker of our school for her input.
Visited the 4th and 5th grade classrooms.
Called 2 families on the west coast who are moving to area and want to tour the school. Set up those tours.
Spent time outside at recess and at lunch.
Ate lunch and read School Communication that Works.
Sat in on the 4th grade meeting in which the teachers prepped the students for their trip to MO's capital, Jefferson City.
Dismissal duties.
On to grad school...
Greeted students as they arrived to school.
Made my way to K-3rd grade classrooms.
Data entry from the K visits I did in early March. Sent them on to the social worker of our school for her input.
Visited the 4th and 5th grade classrooms.
Called 2 families on the west coast who are moving to area and want to tour the school. Set up those tours.
Spent time outside at recess and at lunch.
Ate lunch and read School Communication that Works.
Sat in on the 4th grade meeting in which the teachers prepped the students for their trip to MO's capital, Jefferson City.
Dismissal duties.
On to grad school...
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
March 11, Bristol/Rockwood School District/Clark
Greeted students as they arrived.
Made my way around the classrooms.
Gave a tour of the school to a family moving into the area.
Went to Rockwood to shadow the superintendent, Dr. Eric Knost.
Attended a faith based leaders luncheon with Dr. Knost.
Sat in on a student advisory committee that Dr. Knost set up at Lafayette High School.
Then finished my time in Rockwood by watching Dr. Knost do a video interview with high school students.
Back to Bristol.
Dismissal Duties.
Over to Clark for Parent/Teacher conferences.
Made my way around the classrooms.
Gave a tour of the school to a family moving into the area.
Went to Rockwood to shadow the superintendent, Dr. Eric Knost.
Attended a faith based leaders luncheon with Dr. Knost.
Sat in on a student advisory committee that Dr. Knost set up at Lafayette High School.
Then finished my time in Rockwood by watching Dr. Knost do a video interview with high school students.
Back to Bristol.
Dismissal Duties.
Over to Clark for Parent/Teacher conferences.
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
March 10, Bristol
Greeted students as they arrived on a rainy day.
Made my way around all the classrooms except for 5th grade.
Took the Principal of the Day (a student who won in a raffle drawing) around the school for a hour.
Visited the 5th grade classrooms.
Conducted K meetings with the school social worker. My job was to talk with the incoming K kids which is the best part of this job! This took half of the day.
Attended teaching assistants' meeting.
Dismissal duties.
A full night of parent/teacher conferences.
Made my way around all the classrooms except for 5th grade.
Took the Principal of the Day (a student who won in a raffle drawing) around the school for a hour.
Visited the 5th grade classrooms.
Conducted K meetings with the school social worker. My job was to talk with the incoming K kids which is the best part of this job! This took half of the day.
Attended teaching assistants' meeting.
Dismissal duties.
A full night of parent/teacher conferences.
Monday, March 9, 2015
March 9, Clark
Greeted students and families as they arrived.
Did morning announcements.
Spent time with a couple of students who are sad because their dog is sick.
Made rounds to the classrooms.
Had an admin meeting with Clark team in which we discussed All Things Clark.
Went out to 1/2 recess and then lunch. Helped with the K/5 lunch and recess.
Ate lunch.
Helped with 3/4 lunch and recess. Was All Time Pitcher for the epic 4th grade kickball game.
Helped a student get to class who wasn't real excited about getting back to class.
Gave that student a break a bit later and the student looked good and was smiling!
Dismissal duties.
Did morning announcements.
Spent time with a couple of students who are sad because their dog is sick.
Made rounds to the classrooms.
Had an admin meeting with Clark team in which we discussed All Things Clark.
Went out to 1/2 recess and then lunch. Helped with the K/5 lunch and recess.
Ate lunch.
Helped with 3/4 lunch and recess. Was All Time Pitcher for the epic 4th grade kickball game.
Helped a student get to class who wasn't real excited about getting back to class.
Gave that student a break a bit later and the student looked good and was smiling!
Dismissal duties.
March 6, Clark
Welcomed students as they arrived.
Made morning announcements.
Visited 5th grade classrooms.
Greeted the freshmen and sophomores from Maryville University who were visiting Clark to see elementary school education in action.
Went to Central Office where the Central Office staff were honoring principals, assistant principals and even interns. It's Principal Appreciation Week, yo!
Visited 3rd grade classes.
Attended every recess today to help manage outdoor recess. It's our first outdoor recess in...forever! First recess starts at 10:55 and the last one ends at 1.35.
Visited the rest of the classrooms.
Spent time with a student who needed a bit of a break from his routine.
Greeted 2nd grade parents as they came to watch their children in the wax museum.
The wax museum in the gym was a hit! Huge smiles everywhere one looked as the children's learning was on full display.
Dismissal duties.
Made morning announcements.
Visited 5th grade classrooms.
Greeted the freshmen and sophomores from Maryville University who were visiting Clark to see elementary school education in action.
Went to Central Office where the Central Office staff were honoring principals, assistant principals and even interns. It's Principal Appreciation Week, yo!
Visited 3rd grade classes.
Attended every recess today to help manage outdoor recess. It's our first outdoor recess in...forever! First recess starts at 10:55 and the last one ends at 1.35.
Visited the rest of the classrooms.
Spent time with a student who needed a bit of a break from his routine.
Greeted 2nd grade parents as they came to watch their children in the wax museum.
The wax museum in the gym was a hit! Huge smiles everywhere one looked as the children's learning was on full display.
Dismissal duties.
Thursday, March 5, 2015
March 5, Clark
Got caught up with the principal. It's been busy around here!
Did morning announcements.
Had a student with me all day who needed to reflect on some things.
Visited every classroom. Today, the 2nd graders were doing a wax museum and the 1st graders set up businesses to explore being consumers of goods and sellers of goods. In the 5th grade classrooms, students were putting together their projects for Genius Hour. I got to see a student's movie trailer for a movie he's making. The experiential learning happening today...wow!
Set up a google doc so that staff can contribute ideas and feedback on the new 3rd and 4th grade recess/lunch experience. Conversation while a new change is being implemented is vitally important to the success of the change. So far, nothing but good things being said about the new experience.
Helped the student with me with some of the student's work.
Spent time at each grade level's lunch. Specifically, I wanted to see how the 3rd and 4th grade recess/lunch worked. It works well but the grade levels are still loud. We're going to work on that. :)
Had lunch provided by the 5th grade team for Principal's Day. Much appreciated!
Continued working with student who spent the day in my office.
Got into the 4th grade classrooms.
Dismissal duties.
Interviewed three candidates for a teaching position.
Attended Bristol's Literacy Night. What a great event for the community!
Did morning announcements.
Had a student with me all day who needed to reflect on some things.
Visited every classroom. Today, the 2nd graders were doing a wax museum and the 1st graders set up businesses to explore being consumers of goods and sellers of goods. In the 5th grade classrooms, students were putting together their projects for Genius Hour. I got to see a student's movie trailer for a movie he's making. The experiential learning happening today...wow!
Set up a google doc so that staff can contribute ideas and feedback on the new 3rd and 4th grade recess/lunch experience. Conversation while a new change is being implemented is vitally important to the success of the change. So far, nothing but good things being said about the new experience.
Helped the student with me with some of the student's work.
Spent time at each grade level's lunch. Specifically, I wanted to see how the 3rd and 4th grade recess/lunch worked. It works well but the grade levels are still loud. We're going to work on that. :)
Had lunch provided by the 5th grade team for Principal's Day. Much appreciated!
Continued working with student who spent the day in my office.
Got into the 4th grade classrooms.
Dismissal duties.
Interviewed three candidates for a teaching position.
Attended Bristol's Literacy Night. What a great event for the community!
March 4, Bristol
Greeted students as they arrived.
Took picture with 5th grade class. It's a pretty cool tradition here at Bristol that every 5th grade class has a huge portrait on the walls of the schools.
Went to 5th grade GLM. Talked math and behavior.
Visited 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade classrooms.
Welcomed the K kids back from a field trip to the Botanical Gardens.
At lunch in the cafeteria with a group of 2nd graders.
Visited 4th, 5th grade classrooms.
Attended an eligibility meeting.
Worked on setting up a FaceTime conversation with a teacher in Iowa who has redesigned his room in a way that is conducive to discovery and experience.
Dismissal duties.
Took picture with 5th grade class. It's a pretty cool tradition here at Bristol that every 5th grade class has a huge portrait on the walls of the schools.
Went to 5th grade GLM. Talked math and behavior.
Visited 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade classrooms.
Welcomed the K kids back from a field trip to the Botanical Gardens.
At lunch in the cafeteria with a group of 2nd graders.
Visited 4th, 5th grade classrooms.
Attended an eligibility meeting.
Worked on setting up a FaceTime conversation with a teacher in Iowa who has redesigned his room in a way that is conducive to discovery and experience.
Dismissal duties.
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
March 3, Bristol
Conferred with principal about the potential of a student attending summer school.
Filled out references for two current employees seeking teaching positions.
Greeted students as they arrived.
Made my way around the K, 1st and 2nd grade classrooms. A teacher said to me, "It's so good that you are in the classroom every day." It's an easy concept - to get into every classroom every day - but it's often very hard to pull off. What matters is that both teachers and students appreciate it. It's meaningful.
Attended the 4th grade Grade Level Meeting (GLM).
Visited the 3rd, 4th and 5th grade classrooms.
Spent time, a majority of my afternoon, with a struggling student.
Attended Missed the 1st grade GLM spending time with struggling student.
Attended the K GLM.
Tornado drill!! Run for your lives...better yet, stay calm and listen to the teacher...which our students did!
Continued to work on a superintendent shadowing experience with Rockwood's, Dr. Eric Knost.
Dismissal duties.
Filled out references for two current employees seeking teaching positions.
Greeted students as they arrived.
Made my way around the K, 1st and 2nd grade classrooms. A teacher said to me, "It's so good that you are in the classroom every day." It's an easy concept - to get into every classroom every day - but it's often very hard to pull off. What matters is that both teachers and students appreciate it. It's meaningful.
Attended the 4th grade Grade Level Meeting (GLM).
Visited the 3rd, 4th and 5th grade classrooms.
Spent time, a majority of my afternoon, with a struggling student.
Attended the K GLM.
Tornado drill!! Run for your lives...better yet, stay calm and listen to the teacher...which our students did!
Continued to work on a superintendent shadowing experience with Rockwood's, Dr. Eric Knost.
Dismissal duties.
March 2, Bristol
Over the weekend, attended Bristol's Trivia Night. Was a scorer at the judges' table. Trivia Night is a great way to build community and raise money for the school. They say over $40,000 was raised!
Greeted students as they arrived on this chilly Monday morning.
Helped a student who didn't want to leave his mom. Monday Blues stink.
Hung with the lunch crews that made their way through the cafeteria.
Had lunch with a student.
Spent time with two 5th graders. We played a bit of finger football. I won. :)
Attended a RED meeting.
Visited every classroom.
Dismissal duties.
Greeted students as they arrived on this chilly Monday morning.
Helped a student who didn't want to leave his mom. Monday Blues stink.
Hung with the lunch crews that made their way through the cafeteria.
Had lunch with a student.
Spent time with two 5th graders. We played a bit of finger football. I won. :)
Attended a RED meeting.
Visited every classroom.
Dismissal duties.
Monday, March 2, 2015
February 27, Clark
Interviewed candidates for SSD para position open starting next week.
Visited every classroom. Saw a classroom meeting in action in 5th grade. They were talking about Root Beer Feelings.
Conduced two final interviews for the SSD para position.
Helped a struggling student transition to class.
Listened to some concerns a 5th grade group were having about some recent school developments.
Gave a struggling student a break from class.
Hung out with the 5th graders at their lunch.
Attempted to get to the bottom of a disagreement some students were having.
Visited every classroom. Saw a classroom meeting in action in 5th grade. They were talking about Root Beer Feelings.
Conduced two final interviews for the SSD para position.
Helped a struggling student transition to class.
Listened to some concerns a 5th grade group were having about some recent school developments.
Gave a struggling student a break from class.
Hung out with the 5th graders at their lunch.
Attempted to get to the bottom of a disagreement some students were having.
Thursday, February 26, 2015
February 26, Clark
Early morning meeting about a staff retreat Clark will have this summer. Looking forward to team building and socializing with this crew.
Greeted students as they arrived.
Morning announcements.
Got caught up with principal on what's been happening over the past two days.
Met with 4th grade team who displayed their flexibility with the new recess/lunch routine.
Met with lunch and custodial staff to give thumbs up to the new recess/lunch routine.
Sent out e-mail to staff about the upcoming recess/lunch changes and wrote a rough draft to 3rd and 4th grade parents. Sent that to principal.
Met with 5th grade team to talk to them about the new routine and the possibility of it being implemented at each grade level next year. On board.
Worked with a student and talked about good choices.
Met with 2nd grade team to talk to them about the new routine and the possibility of it being implemented at each grade level next year. On board.
Attended the 2nd/3rd grade concert at the end of the school day.
Dismissal duties.
Attended the 2nd/3rd grade concert in the evening, too.
Greeted students as they arrived.
Morning announcements.
Got caught up with principal on what's been happening over the past two days.
Met with 4th grade team who displayed their flexibility with the new recess/lunch routine.
Met with lunch and custodial staff to give thumbs up to the new recess/lunch routine.
Sent out e-mail to staff about the upcoming recess/lunch changes and wrote a rough draft to 3rd and 4th grade parents. Sent that to principal.
Met with 5th grade team to talk to them about the new routine and the possibility of it being implemented at each grade level next year. On board.
Worked with a student and talked about good choices.
Met with 2nd grade team to talk to them about the new routine and the possibility of it being implemented at each grade level next year. On board.
Attended the 2nd/3rd grade concert at the end of the school day.
Dismissal duties.
Attended the 2nd/3rd grade concert in the evening, too.
February 25, Bristol
Early morning literacy meeting. We are preparing for Literacy Night which will be so fun to see in action.
Greeted students as they arrived.
IEP meeting.
Morning announcements.
Visited every classroom. Got to see the kindergarten lizard get fed live crickets. So fun! Well, maybe not so fun for the crickets but fun for us to watch, for sure!
Planned for afternoon PD that I will co-facilitate for new teachers.
End of day announcements.
Dismissal duties.
Co-facilitated meeting for new teachers.
Greeted students as they arrived.
IEP meeting.
Morning announcements.
Visited every classroom. Got to see the kindergarten lizard get fed live crickets. So fun! Well, maybe not so fun for the crickets but fun for us to watch, for sure!
Planned for afternoon PD that I will co-facilitate for new teachers.
End of day announcements.
Dismissal duties.
Co-facilitated meeting for new teachers.
February 24, Bristol
Greeted students as they arrived.
Caught up with the principal.
Visited every classroom.
Spent a large portion of the day with a struggling student.
End of day announcements.
Dismissal duties.
(I didn't keep track of this day. It was busy. So busy that I failed to write down what was happening throughout the day.)
Caught up with the principal.
Visited every classroom.
Spent a large portion of the day with a struggling student.
End of day announcements.
Dismissal duties.
(I didn't keep track of this day. It was busy. So busy that I failed to write down what was happening throughout the day.)
Monday, February 23, 2015
February 23, Clark
Today felt big. It felt big because the principal and I are suggesting to the staff that we change up our recess/lunch procedures. Instead of having two grades at a time out at recess and then at lunch, we will suggest to staff that we have one grade level out at recess while the other is at lunch. And then switch mid-way through. It fell on my shoulders to communicate this change. I had it worked out so that we would change a lot immediately. The weekend afforded me with perspective and now we are going to suggest that we pilot this change with just one of our recess/lunch times. Today, I talked with various stakeholders to sell the change.
Also, I had to change my meeting dates with grade levels because I failed to take into account report cards. So I will have to sell some grade levels later this week.Spent the first part of the morning rushing around to make those schedule changes with teachers.
Made announcements.
Visited every classroom. "Every student, every teacher."
Attended admin meeting with principal, social worker, psychologist and counselor.
Talked with 3rd grade team about potential recess/lunch change. They were on board!
Spent time with a 2nd grade teacher and reading specialist brainstorming possible interventions for a student in need.
Talked with 1st grade team about potential recess/lunch change. They, too, were on board!
Talked with aides and custodian about potential recess/lunch change. Again, on board!
Planned for my portion of today's staff meeting. I'll be talking about the next steps we want to take as a community who seeks social justice in educational practices.
Dismissal.
Also, I had to change my meeting dates with grade levels because I failed to take into account report cards. So I will have to sell some grade levels later this week.Spent the first part of the morning rushing around to make those schedule changes with teachers.
Made announcements.
Visited every classroom. "Every student, every teacher."
Attended admin meeting with principal, social worker, psychologist and counselor.
Talked with 3rd grade team about potential recess/lunch change. They were on board!
Spent time with a 2nd grade teacher and reading specialist brainstorming possible interventions for a student in need.
Talked with 1st grade team about potential recess/lunch change. They, too, were on board!
Talked with aides and custodian about potential recess/lunch change. Again, on board!
Planned for my portion of today's staff meeting. I'll be talking about the next steps we want to take as a community who seeks social justice in educational practices.
Dismissal.
Friday, February 20, 2015
February 20, Clark
Welcomed students as they arrived.
Did morning announcements.
Visited every classroom.
Filmed six different teachers throughout the day. They shared their best community building practices for the presentation I'll do next week for new teachers to the district.
Evaluated by both my principals. Very good conversation about next steps and being more intentional with the work I do. It was the perfect mix of, "you're doing this and this well...how about doing this in the future...."
Brainstormed with a teacher about how to help a student in need.
Had lunch with three students. Loved this time spent with these awesome 4th graders.
Was a judge for a debate the 5th graders had on whether or not soda should be allowed at lunch. Love the work these guys put in to this exercise.
Dismissal duties!
Did morning announcements.
Visited every classroom.
Filmed six different teachers throughout the day. They shared their best community building practices for the presentation I'll do next week for new teachers to the district.
Evaluated by both my principals. Very good conversation about next steps and being more intentional with the work I do. It was the perfect mix of, "you're doing this and this well...how about doing this in the future...."
Brainstormed with a teacher about how to help a student in need.
Had lunch with three students. Loved this time spent with these awesome 4th graders.
Was a judge for a debate the 5th graders had on whether or not soda should be allowed at lunch. Love the work these guys put in to this exercise.
Dismissal duties!
February 19, Clark
If I thought yesterday was cold, today was colder. Greeted students outside as they came in.
Did morning announcements. Such a great way to start the day off with, hopefully, infectious joy.
Went to central office for DLT (district leadership team) meeting. On the agenda:
Dismissal. Coooooooold.
In the evening, attended 6.30 2nd grade Bristol concert. Then, the 7.30 3rd grade Bristol concert. The concerts rocked!
Met up with fellow Admin Intern, Dr. Chris McGee, and talked shop.
Did morning announcements. Such a great way to start the day off with, hopefully, infectious joy.
Went to central office for DLT (district leadership team) meeting. On the agenda:
- budget
- social justice
- state assessments
- HR update
- district calendar
- transfer students
- active shooter training
- RTI and school psychologist
- K orientation
- cumulative cards/files
Dismissal. Coooooooold.
In the evening, attended 6.30 2nd grade Bristol concert. Then, the 7.30 3rd grade Bristol concert. The concerts rocked!
Met up with fellow Admin Intern, Dr. Chris McGee, and talked shop.
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
February 18, Bristol
Greeted students as they arrived in weather that officially felt like -2 degrees. It was cold.
Middle school choir came to sing. Saw some of my former students. They have grown in the three years since they had me in 5th grade. So cool to see them!
More visits to K households. So awesome seeing these young soon to be students. They are so excited about K...and nervous, but mainly excited. Also, sometimes you end up playing superheroes on these visits.
Filmed a couple of teachers who are helping a colleague and me put together a presentation on community building exercises.
Judged a couple of science fair projects. Our science fair is totally voluntary. This year there were 45 projects submitted. Pretty good for a non-required academic assignment.
Attended two assist team meetings.
Dismissed in very cold weather. But it warmed up since the morning. At dismissal it felt like 0 degrees. That's downright toasty compared to the -2 this morning. Brrrrrr.
Middle school choir came to sing. Saw some of my former students. They have grown in the three years since they had me in 5th grade. So cool to see them!
More visits to K households. So awesome seeing these young soon to be students. They are so excited about K...and nervous, but mainly excited. Also, sometimes you end up playing superheroes on these visits.
Filmed a couple of teachers who are helping a colleague and me put together a presentation on community building exercises.
Judged a couple of science fair projects. Our science fair is totally voluntary. This year there were 45 projects submitted. Pretty good for a non-required academic assignment.
Attended two assist team meetings.
Dismissed in very cold weather. But it warmed up since the morning. At dismissal it felt like 0 degrees. That's downright toasty compared to the -2 this morning. Brrrrrr.
February 17, Bristol
(Had President's Day. Snowed 4-5 inches on our day off. Roads cleared for today. School on!)
Greeted students in the freezing cold. Worth it, though, to see all those smiling faces.
Called a couple of parents to clear up the lunchroom crisis from last week.
Made my way around the K rooms.
Had meeting with a parent and principal. Great resolution and listening done by all parties involved.
Made my way around the 1st grade classrooms.
Scheduled a meeting with SLPS Deputy Superintendent for April.
Visited the 3rd and 5th grade classrooms.
Scarfed lunch.
Met with students during their lunch to talk through conflict resolution.
Assisted the principal and reading specialist on incoming K visits. Here at Bristol, every incoming K student is visited at their house. So many benefits to these meetings!
Dismissal procedures.
Greeted students in the freezing cold. Worth it, though, to see all those smiling faces.
Called a couple of parents to clear up the lunchroom crisis from last week.
Made my way around the K rooms.
Had meeting with a parent and principal. Great resolution and listening done by all parties involved.
Made my way around the 1st grade classrooms.
Scheduled a meeting with SLPS Deputy Superintendent for April.
Visited the 3rd and 5th grade classrooms.
Scarfed lunch.
Met with students during their lunch to talk through conflict resolution.
Assisted the principal and reading specialist on incoming K visits. Here at Bristol, every incoming K student is visited at their house. So many benefits to these meetings!
Dismissal procedures.
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
February 13, Clark
There are no students today. It's professional development and records day for staff.
Had a very small role in social justice presentation at Clark. Talked for 90 minutes about how we can do better by our students in order that each and every student feels safe and secure in our school building.
Went to lunch with several Clark staffers. Fuzzy's is soooo good.
Came back and had a series of discussions with Clark staffers.
Translated notes taken at the Clark PD into a google doc.
Called it a day.
Had a very small role in social justice presentation at Clark. Talked for 90 minutes about how we can do better by our students in order that each and every student feels safe and secure in our school building.
Went to lunch with several Clark staffers. Fuzzy's is soooo good.
Came back and had a series of discussions with Clark staffers.
Translated notes taken at the Clark PD into a google doc.
Called it a day.
February 12, Bristol
This turned out to be a pretty crazy day.
Greeted students as they arrived at Bristol.
Went to Clark to take part in Family Groups. Family Groups are mixed age/grade groups. So, for example, I have seven kids in my group. A K student, a 1st gr student, two 2nd grade students, a 3rd grade student, a 4th gr student and a 5th grade student. These students stay with me from the time they enter Clark until they are done with Clark. We meet once a month and do fun activities together. The benefits of Family Groups are many. I haven't met a student or staff member that doesn't like Family Groups.
Came back to Bristol and made my way around each classroom.
Handled a lunchroom crisis.
Went back to Clark to conduct the Teaching Assistants' meeting.
Came back to Bristol for the end of day V-Day parties.
Dismissal duties.
Greeted students as they arrived at Bristol.
Went to Clark to take part in Family Groups. Family Groups are mixed age/grade groups. So, for example, I have seven kids in my group. A K student, a 1st gr student, two 2nd grade students, a 3rd grade student, a 4th gr student and a 5th grade student. These students stay with me from the time they enter Clark until they are done with Clark. We meet once a month and do fun activities together. The benefits of Family Groups are many. I haven't met a student or staff member that doesn't like Family Groups.
Came back to Bristol and made my way around each classroom.
Handled a lunchroom crisis.
Went back to Clark to conduct the Teaching Assistants' meeting.
Came back to Bristol for the end of day V-Day parties.
Dismissal duties.
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
February 11, Bristol
Greeted students as they arrived.
Attended 5th grade GLM. Talked reading data.
Attended our Teaching Assistants' meeting.
Went to North Glendale Elem and sat at the feet of Dr. Benben. He's known as a great principal so I picked his brain a bit about principalship.
Planned a session that I will co-lead with the Bristol music teacher.
Spent time with a student who needs a bit of attention.
Went around to every classroom. "Every student, every teacher." I'm finding that this exercise, this discipline is keeping me grounded. It helps me connect the decisions made in offices and behind desks to the students and families that these decisions affect.
Dismissal Duties.
Attended 5th grade GLM. Talked reading data.
Attended our Teaching Assistants' meeting.
Went to North Glendale Elem and sat at the feet of Dr. Benben. He's known as a great principal so I picked his brain a bit about principalship.
Planned a session that I will co-lead with the Bristol music teacher.
Spent time with a student who needs a bit of attention.
Went around to every classroom. "Every student, every teacher." I'm finding that this exercise, this discipline is keeping me grounded. It helps me connect the decisions made in offices and behind desks to the students and families that these decisions affect.
Dismissal Duties.
February 10, Bristol
Greeted students as they arrived at Bristol.
Helped conduct a survey of another K class. (All classes have taken part in surveying their teachers in an effort to to help their teachers improve their practice.)
Sat in on the 4th grade GLM and talked All Things Reading Data.
Made my way around to every classroom in the building. So hard to live out the "every student, every teacher" practice but it's important to me so I'm going to figure it out!
Hung out in the art classroom and saw amazing work being done. I'm pretty sure we just colored in my art class back in the day.
Attended the 1st grade GLM. Again, reading data explored.
Attended the kindergarten GLM. Yep, reading data.
Numbers, numbers, numbers. Data, data, data. Sitting in all these GLMs has me thinking about how our human students have been replaced with numbers. I know, I know. Numbers are important. Data is necessary.
Sat in on a retention meeting. Love how Bristol communicates with parents: with ease, care and love.
Dismissal duties. And that's a wrap.
Helped conduct a survey of another K class. (All classes have taken part in surveying their teachers in an effort to to help their teachers improve their practice.)
Sat in on the 4th grade GLM and talked All Things Reading Data.
Made my way around to every classroom in the building. So hard to live out the "every student, every teacher" practice but it's important to me so I'm going to figure it out!
Hung out in the art classroom and saw amazing work being done. I'm pretty sure we just colored in my art class back in the day.
Attended the 1st grade GLM. Again, reading data explored.
Attended the kindergarten GLM. Yep, reading data.
Numbers, numbers, numbers. Data, data, data. Sitting in all these GLMs has me thinking about how our human students have been replaced with numbers. I know, I know. Numbers are important. Data is necessary.
Sat in on a retention meeting. Love how Bristol communicates with parents: with ease, care and love.
Dismissal duties. And that's a wrap.
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
February 9, Bristol
Sat in on a meeting between specialists and principal.
Greeted students and families as they arrived to Bristol.
Got caught up with principal about what I missed being gone from Bristol all of last week.
Made my way through some classrooms. A principal recently told me, "every child, every teacher, every day." She was saying, make sure to see and make contact with every child and teacher every day. That sounds so simple but it is incredibly hard. It must be a priority I undertake.
Helped the principal do a survey of a K class. Love the K kids. So much fun. An aside, at what point do that start to lose that joy? Is it just getting older and wiser or is it the industrialization of our American educational system that is robbing them of their joy? Or is it both?
Worked on college school work.
Spent time with a struggling student.
Spent even more time with another student who was struggling. He eventually fell asleep in my office.
Have I mentioned that my heart is with these struggling kids? School, and for some, life, doesn't come easy. They need some school love.
Attended the 3rd grade GLM and talked All Things Data.
Handled dismissal duties at the end of day.
Greeted students and families as they arrived to Bristol.
Got caught up with principal about what I missed being gone from Bristol all of last week.
Made my way through some classrooms. A principal recently told me, "every child, every teacher, every day." She was saying, make sure to see and make contact with every child and teacher every day. That sounds so simple but it is incredibly hard. It must be a priority I undertake.
Helped the principal do a survey of a K class. Love the K kids. So much fun. An aside, at what point do that start to lose that joy? Is it just getting older and wiser or is it the industrialization of our American educational system that is robbing them of their joy? Or is it both?
Worked on college school work.
Spent time with a struggling student.
Spent even more time with another student who was struggling. He eventually fell asleep in my office.
Have I mentioned that my heart is with these struggling kids? School, and for some, life, doesn't come easy. They need some school love.
Attended the 3rd grade GLM and talked All Things Data.
Handled dismissal duties at the end of day.
Friday, February 6, 2015
February 6, Clark
I think this week - being at Clark five days in a row - has afforded me a real look at what principalship is. I've appreciated that this week and it makes me appreciate, even more, principals everywhere. It's hard work.
Greeted teachers in their classrooms before students arrived.
Greeted students and families on the playground as they arrived to school.
Morning announcements! I love morning announcements. It's one more way to set the tone for the day. Positivity rules!
Caught up with the Clark principal and talked about various subjects.
Helped storyteller Bobby Norfolk set up for his two storytelling sessions. He's been telling for 35 years. He is a STL legend and to have him tell for students here is a treat.
Watched our students listen attentively to Mr. Norfolk. They hung on his every word.
Had a few students in my office during their recess/lunch. It was their punishment to be with me but I see that as an opportunity to connect and reframe.
Ate lunch! YES!
Talked with a student who has had a few hiccups this week. Talked about next week being a new week and the good that comes with a fresh start.
Hung out with two students and played Legos.
Went to a 2nd grade classroom and watched them perform mini versions of fairy tales. It was a great way to wrap up a unit on fairy tales. And the students were amazing!
Spent a few minutes with the 5th graders at their Friday Fun Recess.
Closed up shop. Next week, Bristol all week!
Greeted teachers in their classrooms before students arrived.
Greeted students and families on the playground as they arrived to school.
Morning announcements! I love morning announcements. It's one more way to set the tone for the day. Positivity rules!
Caught up with the Clark principal and talked about various subjects.
Helped storyteller Bobby Norfolk set up for his two storytelling sessions. He's been telling for 35 years. He is a STL legend and to have him tell for students here is a treat.
Watched our students listen attentively to Mr. Norfolk. They hung on his every word.
Had a few students in my office during their recess/lunch. It was their punishment to be with me but I see that as an opportunity to connect and reframe.
Ate lunch! YES!
Talked with a student who has had a few hiccups this week. Talked about next week being a new week and the good that comes with a fresh start.
Hung out with two students and played Legos.
Went to a 2nd grade classroom and watched them perform mini versions of fairy tales. It was a great way to wrap up a unit on fairy tales. And the students were amazing!
Spent a few minutes with the 5th graders at their Friday Fun Recess.
Closed up shop. Next week, Bristol all week!
Thursday, February 5, 2015
February 5, Clark
I've never had a full week at just one of the schools I serve. The continuity of being in one place is nice.
Welcomed students to school on the playground. Caught the principal up with what's been going on throughout the week. (A lot!)
Went to Bristol for a District Leadership Team (DLT for short...made up of principals/assistant principals/central office staff) meeting. Four of us visited three classrooms and observed. The purpose of this is to refine/improve our observation skills. I love this exercise because it makes me a better observer.
Then went to Central Office and debriefed with the rest of the DLT. Learned about Hixson's observation methods. Learned about SLOs and what will be expected of educators starting next year.
Came back and had a student in my office for the afternoon.
Dealt with yet another cafeteria incident. (I'm starting to really dislike lunch time!)
Visited 5th grade classrooms.
Helped with dismissal procedures.
Oh, and I ate that delicious salad that I made for Wednesday. I got to eat lunch today. SCORE!
Welcomed students to school on the playground. Caught the principal up with what's been going on throughout the week. (A lot!)
Went to Bristol for a District Leadership Team (DLT for short...made up of principals/assistant principals/central office staff) meeting. Four of us visited three classrooms and observed. The purpose of this is to refine/improve our observation skills. I love this exercise because it makes me a better observer.
Then went to Central Office and debriefed with the rest of the DLT. Learned about Hixson's observation methods. Learned about SLOs and what will be expected of educators starting next year.
Came back and had a student in my office for the afternoon.
Dealt with yet another cafeteria incident. (I'm starting to really dislike lunch time!)
Visited 5th grade classrooms.
Helped with dismissal procedures.
Oh, and I ate that delicious salad that I made for Wednesday. I got to eat lunch today. SCORE!
February 4, Clark
Jury Duty. The principal of Clark was sick earlier in the week and has jury duty today. Poor guy. He can't catch a break.
Started the day welcoming the students to the building. Clark has an unusual arrival in that kids are playing on the playground before school starts. Then, someone blows the whistle at 8.25 and kids line up at their designated spots. It's a fun, casual way for kids to get to school and loosen up a bit before settling in for some hard, challenging work.
After the morning announcements, went to Hixson Middle School to see kids present their 20% time projects. Got to see three former students of mine. Great projects and happy students!
Attended an IEP meeting and held a baby for most of the meeting. This made my day!
Spent the majority of the day investigating some claims made by students about cafeteria behavior. This took a very long time. I took three pages of notes. Ugh.
Spent time with a student who needed to cool down. We bonded over All Things Mario.
Had to make a call about dismissal. It was drizzling at dismissal time. Went ahead and went with outdoor dismissal. Tough call. (We have an indoor dismissal for bad weather days.)
And that delicious lunch I made for this day? It sat in the fridge. Didn't ever get a chance to eat. At least I'll have a lunch for February 5. So there's that.
Started the day welcoming the students to the building. Clark has an unusual arrival in that kids are playing on the playground before school starts. Then, someone blows the whistle at 8.25 and kids line up at their designated spots. It's a fun, casual way for kids to get to school and loosen up a bit before settling in for some hard, challenging work.
After the morning announcements, went to Hixson Middle School to see kids present their 20% time projects. Got to see three former students of mine. Great projects and happy students!
Attended an IEP meeting and held a baby for most of the meeting. This made my day!
Spent the majority of the day investigating some claims made by students about cafeteria behavior. This took a very long time. I took three pages of notes. Ugh.
Spent time with a student who needed to cool down. We bonded over All Things Mario.
Had to make a call about dismissal. It was drizzling at dismissal time. Went ahead and went with outdoor dismissal. Tough call. (We have an indoor dismissal for bad weather days.)
And that delicious lunch I made for this day? It sat in the fridge. Didn't ever get a chance to eat. At least I'll have a lunch for February 5. So there's that.
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
February 3, Clark
Clark's principal was out again with flu like symptoms. Makes sense because quite a few students are out as well. We're all about sharing the love around here.
Yesterday was jam packed with Grade Level Meetings. The admin staff met with each grade level to talk about MAP testing and go over AIMSweb data. We target kids who need less/more interventions and talk best practices to meet every student's needs.
I was called out a couple of times throughout the meetings to meet with students who were having difficulties.
That was the day: meetings.
Yesterday was jam packed with Grade Level Meetings. The admin staff met with each grade level to talk about MAP testing and go over AIMSweb data. We target kids who need less/more interventions and talk best practices to meet every student's needs.
I was called out a couple of times throughout the meetings to meet with students who were having difficulties.
That was the day: meetings.
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
February 2, Clark
I was supposed to be at Bristol today but got a text early this a.m. from the Clark principal saying he was in bed with flu like symptoms. So, Clark it is.
By the way, where did January go?
Greeted students as they came in the building. Asked to see "Monday smiles" and got to see tons of beautiful smiles on Clark Eagles!
Talked with the counselor about an after school meeting in which we will develop a behavior plan with the parents of a student who is searching for success.
Visited 3rd grade classrooms. Saw one of our PE teachers in action, witnessed one class engage in read-to-self (100% of students were engaged with their reading books) and saw a student-teacher in action. Love seeing student-teachers teach and learn the craft!
Met with a teacher and the social worker to brainstorm how best to reach a student and the student's family.
Walked two students to their classrooms. They just needed a bit of extra help. :)
Met with PE teacher and student to clarify a situation from the ski trip.
Had a conference with three students about lunch room behavior.
Dealt with a couple of discipline issues that took a majority of the afternoon. Something I'm thinking a lot about: discerning which disciplinary action is warranted in given situations.
Had an after-school meeting with a family and brainstormed how we could all help a student be successful in the school setting.
Heard Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow. And that's a wrap.
By the way, where did January go?
Greeted students as they came in the building. Asked to see "Monday smiles" and got to see tons of beautiful smiles on Clark Eagles!
Talked with the counselor about an after school meeting in which we will develop a behavior plan with the parents of a student who is searching for success.
Visited 3rd grade classrooms. Saw one of our PE teachers in action, witnessed one class engage in read-to-self (100% of students were engaged with their reading books) and saw a student-teacher in action. Love seeing student-teachers teach and learn the craft!
Met with a teacher and the social worker to brainstorm how best to reach a student and the student's family.
Walked two students to their classrooms. They just needed a bit of extra help. :)
Met with PE teacher and student to clarify a situation from the ski trip.
Had a conference with three students about lunch room behavior.
Dealt with a couple of discipline issues that took a majority of the afternoon. Something I'm thinking a lot about: discerning which disciplinary action is warranted in given situations.
Had an after-school meeting with a family and brainstormed how we could all help a student be successful in the school setting.
Heard Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow. And that's a wrap.
Friday, January 30, 2015
January 30, Clark
Today was a rough day. I mean, the work I had to do today was treacherous.
Just kidding. I went skiing with the 5th graders. It was a blast. The bonding between students and staff that happens on the ski slopes of Hidden Valley can't be overstated. I loved this day as a 5th grade teacher and I loved this day as an administrator. Good times.
Just kidding. I went skiing with the 5th graders. It was a blast. The bonding between students and staff that happens on the ski slopes of Hidden Valley can't be overstated. I loved this day as a 5th grade teacher and I loved this day as an administrator. Good times.
Thursday, January 29, 2015
January 29, Clark
Started the day helping a kindergarten kid talk with a 2nd grade kid about a misunderstanding.
Spoke with a kid about bus behavior and safety.
Set up meeting with the Edgar Road principal so that I can "sit at her feet" and glean any wisdom I can from her.
Set up meeting with bus riders for the end of day.
Watched a Class Meeting in a 5th grade classroom. Impressive stuff as the class moved through: acknowledgements, old business, new business and conflict resolution. Students were invested!
Investigated a playground dispute.
Had a few...visitors in the my office. Each visitor was in a unique situation and each conversation I had with my visitors centered around actions we can take at school to make sure our school is the best place to learn on the planet!
Wrote a letter of recommendation for a teaching assistant.
Met with bus riders to come up with agreements about bus conduct.
Today was one of those - "Let's act right, peeps!" - kind of day. It's all good. Mistakes are real and we are better for them, right?
Spoke with a kid about bus behavior and safety.
Set up meeting with the Edgar Road principal so that I can "sit at her feet" and glean any wisdom I can from her.
Set up meeting with bus riders for the end of day.
Watched a Class Meeting in a 5th grade classroom. Impressive stuff as the class moved through: acknowledgements, old business, new business and conflict resolution. Students were invested!
Investigated a playground dispute.
Had a few...visitors in the my office. Each visitor was in a unique situation and each conversation I had with my visitors centered around actions we can take at school to make sure our school is the best place to learn on the planet!
Wrote a letter of recommendation for a teaching assistant.
Met with bus riders to come up with agreements about bus conduct.
Today was one of those - "Let's act right, peeps!" - kind of day. It's all good. Mistakes are real and we are better for them, right?
January 28, Bristol
Stepped into a 5th grade class while the teacher met with a parent. Was impressed with their hard work ethic!
Talked with principal about how to handle a cyber bullying issue.
Spent time in all four 1st grade classrooms. In one room, got to see kids in different ELA centers. In another class, they were engaged in math work. In the other two classes, reading groups were meeting with the teachers and other students were working on word work/writing.
Talked with principal on a variety of subjects - how she deals and communicates with displeased parents; school wide character programs such as PBIS; MAP prep.
Visited all four 2nd grade classrooms. In one room, students were finishing up math packets. In another, students were getting snacks out and about to read-to-self. In another, kids were finishing up a writing exercise and beginning to read-to-self. In the last room, I happened upon a presentation students were conducting for kindergarten kids. In this class, students were reporting on countries around the world they had researched. Love seeing students teach. Most enriching exercise a student can do.
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Spent time with students at recess and lunch.
Sat with principal as she spoke with a student about cyber bullying.
Conducted kindergarten student surveys with principal and counselor. The surveys are about their classroom teachers. Aim is to give teachers meaningful feedback from the student perspective that will improve the teachers' effectiveness.
Had lunch with three 5th grade students who earned a lunch with me. Great kids and fun conversation.
Caught up on e-mail.
Listened to a 1st grader read and talked to the student about how to speak respectfully to peers and adults.
Attended to dismissal duties.
I just typed the word duties. In my head, every elementary school student just had a nice giggle.
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
January 27, Bristol
Attended a Balance Lit team meeting and helped plan our Bristol Literacy Night that will take place on March 5.
Helped the principal get ready for Grade Level Meetings in which the topic of convo will be MAP testing.
Accompanied two 4th grade boys to Walter Ambrose Family Center to help them deconstruct a piano. It's part of a new curriculum the music teacher is exploring that lets students direct their own learning.
Sat in on the end of the 4th grade team meeting as they discussed MAP testing.
Conducted a teacher survey in a 2nd grade class.
Conferenced with two students who had an altercation in P.E.
Spent time with a student who needed a break from the classroom. Talked Minecraft.
Spent time with a student who was serving recess and lunch detention.
Met with a group of 5th graders to iron out some differences they were having.
Stepped in to the meeting where 5th graders hear more about the Steger 6th Grade Center.
Helped facilitate the end of day routines.
Didn't eat lunch. It happens.
Helped the principal get ready for Grade Level Meetings in which the topic of convo will be MAP testing.
Accompanied two 4th grade boys to Walter Ambrose Family Center to help them deconstruct a piano. It's part of a new curriculum the music teacher is exploring that lets students direct their own learning.
Sat in on the end of the 4th grade team meeting as they discussed MAP testing.
Conducted a teacher survey in a 2nd grade class.
Conferenced with two students who had an altercation in P.E.
Spent time with a student who needed a break from the classroom. Talked Minecraft.
Spent time with a student who was serving recess and lunch detention.
Met with a group of 5th graders to iron out some differences they were having.
Stepped in to the meeting where 5th graders hear more about the Steger 6th Grade Center.
Helped facilitate the end of day routines.
Didn't eat lunch. It happens.
January 26, Bristol
So I walked into Bristol's office and quickly noticed the panicked look on the office assistant's face. She said, "we have quite a few teachers out today due to professional development and not all of them have subs just yet." The principal confirmed this news as she walked out of her office. I then piped up, "if need be I'll act as a sub today." The principal didn't hesitate, "thanks for stepping up. You'll be in with a 5th grade class."
I thought it would be a breeze. After all, I'm not that far removed from being a 5th grade teacher and in my heart, I think I will always self-identify as a teacher. But subbing. Ugh. It's hard work. I walked into a classroom that was not my own. I stood in front of students who I didn't know and who didn't know me. While the day went by without much of a glitch, it was different from teaching. I have a new-found respect for subs.
So that was my Monday. Subbing.
I thought it would be a breeze. After all, I'm not that far removed from being a 5th grade teacher and in my heart, I think I will always self-identify as a teacher. But subbing. Ugh. It's hard work. I walked into a classroom that was not my own. I stood in front of students who I didn't know and who didn't know me. While the day went by without much of a glitch, it was different from teaching. I have a new-found respect for subs.
So that was my Monday. Subbing.
Friday, January 23, 2015
January 23, Clark
Talked with students about bus behavior.
Intervened with student who was having difficulty adjusting from home to school.
Walked into two different classrooms. Was promptly called back to a kindergarten classroom because one table felt left out because I didn't visit their table. Valuable lesson learned. Attend to every student!
Reprint a name plate for a teacher. (These name plates are soooo cool.)
Met with a teaching assistant who served as a long term sub in our building on two different occasions. Asked, How can Clark be better for our students, their families and staff? Also, processed her own teaching experience - strengths and areas for growth.
Sat with students who served recess/lunch detention.
Finished a rough draft version of my administrator evaluation. Emailed evaluation to Bristol/Clark principals for revision/edit.
Spent some time looking for PBIS training that I could possibly attend in the future. Emailed someone asking for spring and summer sessions.
Played Legos with a 1st grader who sees me every Friday as a reward.
Intervened with student who was having difficulty adjusting from home to school.
Walked into two different classrooms. Was promptly called back to a kindergarten classroom because one table felt left out because I didn't visit their table. Valuable lesson learned. Attend to every student!
Reprint a name plate for a teacher. (These name plates are soooo cool.)
Met with a teaching assistant who served as a long term sub in our building on two different occasions. Asked, How can Clark be better for our students, their families and staff? Also, processed her own teaching experience - strengths and areas for growth.
Sat with students who served recess/lunch detention.
Finished a rough draft version of my administrator evaluation. Emailed evaluation to Bristol/Clark principals for revision/edit.
Spent some time looking for PBIS training that I could possibly attend in the future. Emailed someone asking for spring and summer sessions.
Played Legos with a 1st grader who sees me every Friday as a reward.
It's time...
So here's how it goes for me...I'm currently an Administrative Intern (also called by our district an Educational Leader Intern) that serves two Webster Groves School District elementary schools. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, I serve the Bristol Elementary community and on Thursdays and Fridays I serve the Clark Elementary community. On Mondays, I alternate which school community I serve.
The purpose of this blog is to give an account of the day-to-day things that I do. Obviously, there will be some material that I will not be able to share for confidentiality reasons but I can give some general ideas about the life of an Administrative Intern.
The purpose of this blog is to give an account of the day-to-day things that I do. Obviously, there will be some material that I will not be able to share for confidentiality reasons but I can give some general ideas about the life of an Administrative Intern.
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