Thankfulness Challenge!

I was challenged by Nick Proud, principal of Garner Elementary, to "Share your thankfulness about your school, district, or classroom."  So, here goes! 

Thanksgiving is November 24 this year, so as a tribute to that date here is my Top 24 list.  

I am Thankful for...

...the amazing teachers that provide excellent learning experiences for our students every day.

...the awesome support staff (from custodians to office workers) that make me smile every day.

...the caring paraeducators that work hard for little money or recognition for our most neediest students.

...the students that remind me every day why I love this job.

...the supportive PSTO that is always willing to help with whatever our staff needs.

...Bear and the kitchen staff for bringing us delicious cinnamon rolls!

...the ILT members and IDS coaches who are leading our PLC work and who made the conference a blast.

...the PBIS team that has been recognized as a Spotlight School by Grant Wood AEA.

...the outstanding Student Council that works hard each week to promote a cause and help others.

...other administrators that I can call upon for advice and guidance.

...our parents and families that support our work each and every day.

...all of my guest teaching experiences thus far that have been so fun!

...the light I see in a student's eyes when they finally get a concept that they have been struggling with.

...the caring nature of students who stop to help each other.

...dances and activities that help us see the other side of our students.

...the creativity I see in students during Makerspace time, art, and our other electives.

...the phenomenal music I hear each day out my door as the bands, choirs, and orchestras practice and perform.

...students who say thank you when they come in for snacks.

...being able to see the children of my friends and neighbors growing into strong, smart leaders at my school.

...the joy of students as they rush out the door for a much-needed Thanksgiving break!

...volunteers who come to mentor, tutor, and spend time with our students.

...all of our students and the diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and cultures that they bring.

...my own family and friends who support me as I work toward my goals.

...the chance to do the job I love each and every day.

TAKE THE CHALLENGE AND SHOW YOUR THANKFULLNESS

French - November 21, 2016

Let me begin by admitting that I have no background in French!  So I was a little worried about how this guest teaching experience was going to go.  But when I sat down with Ms. McDermott she had come up with the best plan!  She wanted the students to teach me.  They had to come up with a lesson presentation and activity.  I began to set aside my worries and get excited about this class.

I had been looking forward to it all day when someone pulled the fire alarm!  No joke!  Everyone had to parade outside in the cold and wait until the fire department gave us the all-clear.  By the time the craziness had subsided, French class was half over.  But I was determined to go and learn something!

Students were just beginning their presentations.  They welcomed me in and we got started.  I learned about conjugating verbs and about basic greetings.  And I learned to say if I liked or disliked different activities.  Some students were very brave and confident speakers.  Others were timid and careful.  Some didn't speak at all.  One of the activities was a game to see who could correctly conjugate a verb the quickest on a mini white board.  I won!  But then the group members corrected me and let me know that I had forgotten an "s".  They gave me a V2 ticket for my efforts anyway.  Another group called on different people to discuss what they like or dislike.  Of course they called on me!  I stuttered a bit, but was able to say that I like to sleep! J'aime dormir! (Dormir was the only verb on the board!) 😊

It was a short, but fun class to attend.  I really enjoyed seeing the students in action and listening to them speak.  And I am very thankful to Ms. McDermott for helping me out with a great lesson plan!  Merci!

Global Studies - November 18, 2016

This week I got to go back to my social studies roots!  I was able to work with 7th grade Global Studies and Mr. Meade.  It was a fun experience and the students were so awesome!  Mr. Meade and I met and talked about what we would do.  The students have been studying Israel and Palestine and the conflict over land.  The students were going to have to pick a side and then write a persuasive essay.  It sounded like a challenging assignment!

First, I began the lesson by asking students what they knew about the conflict between Israel and Palestine.  They knew some good facts!  They talked about the fact that both consider themselves long-time inhabitants of the land.  They discussed the end of World War II and how the UN divided the land.  It was refreshing to hear students really on top of their game and understanding one of the biggest on-going conflicts in the world.

Next, we talked about a persuasive essay and what that might look like.  They knew the basics.  We reviewed those and then I showed the funniest video that Mr. Meade had given me.  They thought it was both funny and exasperating!  Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watchv=DqjIKS82UNI

After we watched the video we broke down the different parts of an essay like the students in the video did: a hook, background information, thesis statement, body paragraphs with topic sentences, and conclusion.

The students were ready to go and spent the rest of the time working on their outline.  It surprised me that students were quick to pick a side.  I would have thought that would take a longer time.  We did talk about how the number of years they have lived on the land might not be the strongest argument because both sides would try to make it.  We talked about how the arguments have got to be convincing.  And we discussed how if you have more than one rebuttal arguments, you might want to look at the other side.  Students asked some great questions about both the conflict and writing an essay.  And they were very conscientious students wanting to know when the paper would be due.

This was a fun one for me.  Being back in a social studies classroom felt so comfortable.  I really enjoyed myself and saw our amazing students really working hard and putting their knowledge on display.  I was so proud!  And then I showed the video one more time.  Everyone groaned! 😊

Embracing all students - November 14, 2016

I struggle with what to write and what to say as we end an emotional week following a monumental Presidential election.  In our own city, a family receives a hate mail note on their door telling them to leave the country.  Students at both high schools walk out to protest our new leader.  And I have met with two sets of parents today who feel like actions of other students at school have targeted their children because of their religion.  This is a sad and scary time.

I want to make it clear to all of our students and families that Northwest Junior High is a safe place.  We are proud of our diversity and welcome all students and their families.  We recognize differences of opinions and marvel at our democracy.  Our amazing teachers and staff are here for each and every student that walks through our doors.  We respect all races, religions, genders, and political beliefs.  We have the responsibility to maintain an academic culture and instill positive self-worth in every student.  We care about all of our students.

The most important thing that we can do now is promote peace.  Reach out and do something nice for someone else.  Spread kindness to others.  Help a fellow student, parent, or colleague.  Smile at someone who looks like they are having a bad day.  Move over at the lunch table to make room for someone who is alone.  Ask someone to join your group.  There are so many simple ways to make the world a better place.  And our Viking Virtues apply just as much outside of school as in: be safe, responsible, and respectful.

Where does the time go?

Another week has gone by.  Another opportunity for guest teaching has past.  I know I'm not alone when I ask the question, Where does the time go? Our school year flies by, quicker each year.  The daily needs of students, collaboration with colleagues, meetings and emails from parents, school activities and fundraisers, and all other pieces of school make for a very busy life.  As much as I would love to be able to get in a classroom each week, it just isn't always possible.  The past two weeks have been filled with state assessments, the school fundraiser, and a spirit assembly.  And the end of the trimester is just 7 school days away!  I'm sure the teachers are questioning the time as much as I am.

So how do we manage this?  I don't have an answer.  But I do know that it is important to keep your goals in sight.  I have reached out to several teachers and hope to have some guest teaching lined up for the next few weeks.  I haven't lowered my standards, I have just had to adjust to reality.  I think this is an important lesson for teachers and students as well.  Don't give up.  Don't lower your standards.  Adjust and attack each goal.  Speed isn't always necessary.  Quality and balance are important too.

Students remember how you encouraged them during those difficult assessments.  They remember that you pumped up your homeroom and encouraged them to sell products for the fundraiser to support the school.  They remember the excitement and silliness of the spirit assembly.  So, although those things may make the adults adjust their goals, they are what makes school memorable and meaningful for many of our students.  I'm looking forward to my next guest teaching assignment.  And I will make the time for it!