Happy Monday morning everyone. If you are reading this on Monday morning, we are about to begin a very interesting two days at the Middle School. If you are reading this anytime after 2:30 on Tuesday, well hopefully everything with the MAP testing and block schedule went as planned. Obviously this wasn’t the most ideal situation, but I know the Counselors, Molly and I are very grateful for your flexibility during testing. I remember how difficult it could be at the end of the year especially the days when we were on an alternative schedule. If it is any consolation, we had block scheduling for three solid weeks last year, so I know we can make it through 2 days.
In my opinion, the two most difficult times of a school year occurred at the beginning and end of the school year. At the beginning of the year, there never seems to be enough time to get everything you need prepared to start and at the end, it seems like there is never enough time to get everything completed. I know how difficult it is to keep the undivided attention of a teenager when testing is complete and summer break is just within grasp. In my experience, I had the best success post-testing when I prepared learning activities for students that were more student centered and project based. This is also a great time to solicit feedback from students as to what you can do to improve the overall experience for students in classes in the future. I know it is easy to believe that the students have checked out. However, if you are willing to offer learning activities that will peak the students’ interests, you will see that they will work just as hard now as they did at the beginning of the school year.
As the summer approaches, we are beginning to plan what Professional Development opportunities we will be providing. Planning for summer institute is underway and I would encourage everyone to attend. This year’s focus will be on Transforming everything. This will include transforming learning spaces, classroom culture, communication and virtual spaces. There will be a variety of sessions provided in a range of formats. PDC will be sending out more information as it becomes available but if there is anything you would like to learn more about, let one of the building PDC reps, Chelsea and Laura, or I know.
I hope everyone had a great weekend and as always Break up your OODA!!!!!
In my opinion, the two most difficult times of a school year occurred at the beginning and end of the school year. At the beginning of the year, there never seems to be enough time to get everything you need prepared to start and at the end, it seems like there is never enough time to get everything completed. I know how difficult it is to keep the undivided attention of a teenager when testing is complete and summer break is just within grasp. In my experience, I had the best success post-testing when I prepared learning activities for students that were more student centered and project based. This is also a great time to solicit feedback from students as to what you can do to improve the overall experience for students in classes in the future. I know it is easy to believe that the students have checked out. However, if you are willing to offer learning activities that will peak the students’ interests, you will see that they will work just as hard now as they did at the beginning of the school year.
As the summer approaches, we are beginning to plan what Professional Development opportunities we will be providing. Planning for summer institute is underway and I would encourage everyone to attend. This year’s focus will be on Transforming everything. This will include transforming learning spaces, classroom culture, communication and virtual spaces. There will be a variety of sessions provided in a range of formats. PDC will be sending out more information as it becomes available but if there is anything you would like to learn more about, let one of the building PDC reps, Chelsea and Laura, or I know.
I hope everyone had a great weekend and as always Break up your OODA!!!!!