Trimester Two

March came in like a lion; the month began with a snowstorm and we also started giving the required state tests. It seems premature- testing students to determine proficiency in a grade level, having completed only two thirds of the year. Teachers are trying to stay positive, but definitely feel the pressure of high stakes accountability. Plus, the district and teachers' union are negotiating a new contract. Budget woes, deficits, and media coverage of  Wisconsin politics chip away at moral. As we head into the last trimester and look ahead toward next year, uncertainty looms...
So, my job is to build confidence, stay positive, and keep the staff and students moving forward.


Trimester Two Reflections


Successes

• We're implementing a schoolwide behavior plan.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxipAyKwWqA&feature=player_embedded

• Professional development is a focus for staff. Recently, a dozen teachers spent 8 hours working on strategies to implement instructional technology. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xunx2AxrjXs&feature=player_embedded

• I have completed many formal observations and should have all teacher evaluations completed on time. 

• My primary goal was to build relationships with staff, students and parents. I feel I am on the right track, especially with staff and students. I am still working on getting to know parents. A couple of weeks ago, I watched as our superintendent walked through the building. He greeted everyone and was naturally so welcoming. As I watched him, I realized that I don't do that well.... It's something I need to work on.

Challenges

• Keeping my desk clean and getting to the bottom of each pile.

• Focusing on what's important. Although I'm in classrooms every day and have completed the required observations, I don't feel like I have had the time to really debrief with everyone. I also wish all teachers used some kind of electronic lesson planner. That way, I'd have a better idea of the day to day pacing, instructional  practices, etc. 

• Connecting with other principals.

Goals for the rest of the year

1. Celebrate and recognize quality work.
2. Create a schedule for next year with common reading blocks, math blocks, and planning time for grade level teams.
3. Work with staff to redo the handbook.
4. Find $ for document cameras (5) and computers for an intervention lab (6-12).
5. Create a professional development plan for next year. Recently, our Title team surveyed the staff and the results should contain information regarding professional development needs.

So much to do... Still learning... Just taking it a day, week, month at a time!

Sooo mad!

He is mad, but at school he usually keeps those feelings under control. At times though, his anger comes to the surface. Unable to keep it in, he lashes out using his fists or by flashing a look of disgust or power. To take charge of his life, he tries to take power over others. On the playground and on the street- he leads, usually through intimidation or the threat of force. 

He's smart and when he applies himself, he can keep up with the students at the top of his class. He says he likes school. And although nobody in his family has been to college, he has aspirations to be either a professional wrestler  :)  or a pediatrician. 
After spending many hours with him in in-school suspension, I think I know WHY he bullies. His mom works at night, usually until 2AM. She is not home in the evenings, so he is home alone with two older siblings. They wander the streets or the mall. He often tags along with one of the older brothers and high school friends. I'm certain he hears and sees things inappropriate for a fifth grader. He doesn't have a schedule or support for homework or extra curricular activities. Because he's not supervised, he is unaccustomed to structure. He's not used to any kind of follow through, and when someone follows up on him, he is uncomfortable.  Life is tough at home, and he takes charge of his life by trying to take charge of others.
He lashed out at his teacher. His classmates are tired of his behavior. So he has been with me for several days. When he goes to class, I'm with him. If he goes outside for a break, an adult is with him. The plan is to separate him from his peers for awhile and help him relearn the behavior expectations. He'll need to work things out with his teacher before he returns to class full time. I know he's been bored with this new routine, but he's kept his cool so far. I'm surprised he hasn't acted out toward me. And actually, we've had some pretty honest discussions. 
I like this angry kid. I hope our work will stick and our voices will become a part of his conscience. Down the road, when he has to make a choice, I hope he'll stop...think...and decide to do the right thing.

A little New Year Humor

The new year began with the usual parade of students in and out of the office...

A little boy sat at the table near the office late one morning wearing his coat and backpack. As I approached him he said, "Gotta go home! I'm a pooper!". It turns out he had diarrhea.

One morning a 3rd grader who is learning English came to tell me that his sister would not be in school that day.
"Is she sick?" I asked.
He nodded, yes.
"What is wrong?"
He hesitated, thinking about how to describe her illness. Then he made a motion near his mouth. "She blew up," he answered.