On Friday, we completed our 15th school day of the year. While some will think this time has gone quickly, others will think these 15 days have taken forever. Regardless which group you fall in, at the end of school Wednesday we will have completed 10% of the school year. I have heard many people compare the school year to a marathon or a long road trip. Each analogy is accurate in that each of them the start can seem hectic and muddled followed by getting in a groove. Even though it is vastly important to get off to a great start in a marathon, road trip or school year, how successful each of these journeys will turn out depends what happens in this next stretch. As the dust settles these next few weeks, make sure that you are continuing to revisit classroom and building-wide expectations and continue to implement effective instructional strategies with our students. I had the opportunity to visit quite a few classrooms this week and I observed many teachers using effective questioning skills and a wide range of checking for understanding techniques. Each of these skills led to higher student
engagement and a deeper understanding of content material by the students. As we move forward, challenge yourself to try new techniques and strategies. I would also encourage everyone to share with the staff new learning on the PD Blog. Many teachers took time out of their summers to attend the summer academy and other learning opportunities and the staff members in this building would love to read what you experienced. As always, if you need anything just ask. AND TURN UP THE HEAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
engagement and a deeper understanding of content material by the students. As we move forward, challenge yourself to try new techniques and strategies. I would also encourage everyone to share with the staff new learning on the PD Blog. Many teachers took time out of their summers to attend the summer academy and other learning opportunities and the staff members in this building would love to read what you experienced. As always, if you need anything just ask. AND TURN UP THE HEAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!