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!