The Power of Questioning

Over this long weekend, I have taken some time to truly reflect on the power of asking questions. So often, because it is human nature, when something comes our way that is annoying we tend to react instead of seeking to understand. Even if it is not annoying, but we simply don't agree with what is being asked or stated, our reaction can be less than tolerant. Perhaps there are many times when we could of saved ourselves energy that was wasted on an unecessary misunderstanding because we didn't ask questions.

As a principal, I truly strive to understand before I form an opinion or make a judgement. Relationships are the bedrock of positive human interaction and when something is uncomfortable, new, annoying, unknown, and the list goes on: we need to ask questions to understand. 

Of course, this does not mean we need to put up with disrespectful behavior and shouldn't - but we can ask questions to come to understand another person's perspective to form a mutual understanding. For me, there are instances when a non-negotiable is simply that: a non-negotiable. This is part of the principalship. This does not mean I don't value the most important aspect of our school - teachers. Without you, our children do not learn and we do not move forward.

So as we continue our journey together, I respectfully ask for you to ask questions! Although I can list a number of areas that I strive to improve upon, listening happens to be my strength. Perfection, however is not. If you feel there is a mishap in communication or just need to be heard, talk to me. 

So grab a cup of coffee or tea, and whenever there is a need, I have an open door, an open mind, and of course chocolate! Continue to be part of our positive school culture. Stop and listen to each other and seek to understand before wasting your energy on negative thoughts.  Our work is hard, but together we are accomplishing great things and the rewards are endless.

Kudos

Grace for helping to order MCAS materials

Sunshine for organizing a successful staff party

Additional congrats to new brides: Stephanie and Jen, and newly engaged Stephanie Valentine

Mark Your Calendars

Monday, January 20th: No School: Martin Luther King Day

Wednesday, January 22nd: Leslie Maxwell visit with Grade 1, Administrator SEI class at 3:30 @ Ayers, PTO Meeting @6:30

Thursday, January 23rd: Winter Band Concert 7:00 @ BHS Auditorium

Friday, January 24th: GLM Specialists @ 1:10

Articles Worth Reading

21days to Improving your Productivity and Happiness  @marcandangel

10 Things Happy Families do Differently @marcandangel

Digital Tools and Distraction in School @edutopia

What I've Learned About Change @justintarte

10 ways to Change the Future Today @leadershipfreak

7 Culture Elements for Doing Work That Matters via @shawnmurphy

Leadership Lessons from Let It Go… @Amber8

Videos Worth Watching

A repeat, but worth it…

Close Reading

This month's edition of Education Leadership is entitled Tackling Informational Text.  Here are some excerpts from various articles I found interesting.

• "By engaging students in analyzing the intricacies of complex texts, we can transform their ideas about it means to read."(pg. 17)
• Some Questions Readers Might Pose (pg. 20)
• What does this text want me to know? What information does this text teach?
• What does this text want to understand? What new ideas and concepts does it suggest?
• What does this text want me to feel? What emotions does it stir up?
• How does it accomplish these tasks?
• Close and Critical Readers Might Then Ask These Questions:
• Whose perspective is represented in this text?
• Whose point of view is most fully explored?
• Who is honored or privileged in the text and how? Who is marginalized?
• How does the perspective in this text compare with others on this issue?
• How does the author use persuasive techniques, literary devices, or writers craft to convey meaning? 

To View How Students Can Use Informational Text to Construct Arguments Click On This Link for a Video - ( High School but can be Adapted for Lower Grades (3-5) in a Classroom Setting)

Informational Text and Arguments

Please Find Additional Information on Close Reading in your Mailboxes This Week. : ) 

Kudos

• To all teachers that contributed to a successful Spooky Story Night! Thank you.
• Dorothy for reviewing Wilson with Grades 1 and 2 and working on Syllable Types for Upper Grades - Nice Job!
• Ilene, Jen & Serenity, Amy, Grace, and Steph B for a successful implementation of quality social thinking groups
• All Paras for their continued flexibility - it has been difficult. AND, to teachers for your patience and understanding when we are short on substitutes
• All Teachers who are now officially mentors to students

Mark Your Calendars

Nov 4th: BSRI Visit - Miffy and Lisa for Walkthroughs, 1:10 GLM for Grade 4

Nov 5th: No School - Staff Development - Keys to Literacy

Nov 7th: BSRI Visit - Kelly, Heidi, and Lisa in Classrooms, PTO Meeting @6:00

Nov 8th: PTO Geography Enrichment Presentation: Grade 4 @8:00, Grade 5 @9:10, GLM for K @1:10

Nov 11th: No School

Change is Simple will be coming for Grades 3-5 on Nov 12th and 13th: Schedule TBD: (1 hour Block)

Nov 14th: Math Planning with Noel- Full Day Grades 4 and 5

**** Staff Meeting on the 13th has been changed to the 20th @2:30 

I-Pad App of the Week

Explain Everything

Articles Worth Reading

A Refreshingly Simple Guide To Twitter for Teachers via @edudemic

Educational Tweeting via @KleinErin @YollisClass @benglipin

North Carolina Link to Common Core Tools @momchak3

How to Create Effective Homework via @MindShift

Why Reading is Dangerous via @edudemic

10 Characteristics of a Highly Effective Learning Environment  via @tyson_kimberly

How to Build a Happier Brain via @thecoolhunter


Videos Worth Watching

The World Can Be Better via @bengilpin

Richie Parker: Drive - Amazing example of a Growth Mindset!!

Soup's On!

I love the fall. Beautiful warm days and cool nights are one of the many things I am grateful for. To top off such days, there is nothing like a good bowl of soup. (And warm homemade bread with butter of course.)  Luckily, my husband likes to cook and together we have tried more recipes than I can name. This weekend we tried out a new chicken and kale recipe. If you are a soup fan, check it out! If I do say so myself, it was delish. : ) 

Chicken Soup with Kale

Although I  am certainly not going to be on the cooking channel anytime soon,  I do know that it is important to use the right ingredients to make your dish successful. Do I follow every recipe without adding my own little touches? Certainly not. Sometimes, I just know in my heart of hearts that a pinch of this or that will make the dish that much better. 

As we move forward with looking at the ingredients of the common core, remember that there are recipes already out there. As with my cooking, there is also room for you to add your own unique touches. The MA Department of Education has released model curriculum units that can be utilized in classrooms now. Take a peek...

Model Curriculum Units

I'm interested to hear how you might "change" the recipe. Would you add more rigor? How would you include your personal touch? When my husband and I were done cooking at the end of the day, we had chicken and kale soup. When you are teaching, at the end of the day you need to teach the standards. I look forward to seeing your cooking skills in action. : ) 

KUDOS

To Everyone for a job well done at Open House. Thank you for being so well prepared.

To Everyone for work on SMART Goals. If you haven't submitted yours, please do.

Next Week at a Glance

Tuesday, Oct 15th: BSRI is visiting - with Lisa and Heidi. No walkthroughs.

Tuesday, Oct 15th: Technology meeting at NB for Lisa, MTSS Meeting 1-3

Wednesday, Oct16th: Safety Care Training in Cove Science Lab, MKEA Training for K Teachers. NO Staff Meeting

Thursday, Oct 17th: Keys to Literacy Training: Vocabulary, NISL for Lisa

Friday, Oct18th: NISL

Oct 21st: Book Fair WEEK

Friday, Oct 25th: Beverly Public Librarian Visiting with all Grades

Articles Worth Reading

23 Ways to Use the i-Pad in 21st Century PBL Classroom  via @teachthought

7 Unconventional Reasons Why You Absolutely Should Be Reading via @PrincipalDiff

Five Things Most People Do't Know- Poverty & Student Achievement via @PrincipalDiff

Leading and Managing Instructional Improvement via @eduweek

Feeling Defeated or Tired Already?  via @8Amber8 and @benjamingilpin

Lisa Bu: How Books Can Open Your Mind

Teamwork & Instructional Leadership

Now that the year is in full swing we begin the delicate balance of attending professional development, grade level meetings, maximizing our common planning time and of course, being in our classrooms actually teaching! A challenging endeavor!

As a principal I struggle with getting pulled in many directions just as a classroom teacher does. Today as I sat with my NISL cohort, I was reminded of how important it is to sometimes be out of the building and learning new innovative ways of being the best instructional leader I can be. The topic today, was you guessed it -instructional leadership and teams. 

All of you are part of teams within the building, whether it be the Teaching and Learning Team (which is a leadership team), a grade level team, specialists team, special education team or a combination of teams.  Today our focus was on High Performing Teams. Think about the teams you are part of and reflect on the following criteria of truly high performing teams:

• Clear purpose and direction
• Leadership
• Effective team membership
• Resources
• Effective team processes, and a
• Supportive Environment

An Instructional Leadership Team (our Teaching and Learning Team) is a team whose members:

• Are committed to improving instructional practices leading to higher student achievement
• Ensure instructional improvement efforts are aligned with the school vision and strategic direction
• Work collaboratively towards specific goals and timelines
• Share leadership responsibility and accountability for the effectiveness of the team's process and the school improvements that result

How are we doing as a whole? How are you contributing? Think of ways we can improve our teamwork and continue to move our school forward. After-all, as the saying goes - many hands make light work. 

Next Week At a Glance
Monday, Oct 7th: GLM @ 1:10 Grade 3 with Heidi, Lisa at NISL
Tuesday, Oct 8th: 9:00 Judy Miller for Tech Meeting: SPED Meeting
Wednesday Oct 9th: Bullying and Conflict Resolution Program, Staff Meeting Canceled
Thursday, Oct 10th: Open House
Friday, Oct 11th: Early Release Day/Professional Development is Building Based: SMART GOALS


Articles Worth Reading
11 Tips on Teaching Common Core Critical Vocabulary via @Edutopia

The Habits of Supremely Happy People via Grace Scherer : )

Why Tough Teachers Get Good Results via @wsoeldner (EXCELLENT ARTICLE!!)

10 Small Ways to Make a Big Difference in Someone's Life via @Justintarte

Twitter for Teachers: You Get What You Give via @jlscheffer


Videos Worth Watching
Overcoming Dyslexia

Can Technology Solve our Big Problems?

Ron Gutman: The Hidden Power of Smiling

MTSS Partnership Grant and RtI: Full Speed Ahead

Over the past two weeks, I have been able to meet with a number of you to discuss formative assessments and SMART goals.  I enjoy these conversations as it sets the stage for us to continue to build a trusting relationship with each other. The other reason I enjoy meeting with you is because I get to see different perspectives on a variety of topics and ultimately it allows me to grow and improve my craft. (plus I just like you) : )

One theme that was thread through many of our conversations was RtI and our perceived proficiency in literacy.  More than a few of you stated that you felt comfortable with teaching reading, but needed to improve upon a tiered model of instruction in math. This is great news! We are looking for ways to challenge ourselves and move forward. If I may, I'd like to challenge you further to think about what level of tiered instruction is the most important. Last year, almost everyone I asked said Tier 3. If we want to build capacity amongst ourselves, we need to remember that Tier 1 is the most critical tier of RtI. I'd also like to challenge you to take another look. Possibly you think you are better at teaching reading because that is where you are most comfortable. So as we continue our journey in the land of RtI, I have news to share.

As I have briefly mentioned, we are recipients of the MTSS grant known as the TPP (The Partnership Project) through the  MA DESE. Cove School, Briscoe Middle School, and BHS are involved as well as the Special Education Department. The reason we have been chosen is because of the work we are already doing with RtI. This is an opportunity for us to be supported on the road we are already on - and that is really great news!

Professional Development activities and opportunities we MAY participate in include:

• On-line and face to face courses (Ex. MA Focus Academies - 4 teachers already signed up!)
• Intensive technical assistance 
• Summer institutes
• Leadership academies
• Conferences
• Coaching and mentoring
• Train the trainer activities
• Professional Learning Communities
• Instructional Rounds

More information to follow, but keep in mind as we move forward this is a support and not more to add to your already full plates. : ) 

Calendar Check
Monday September 30th: Data Meetings Grade K-4: Grade 5 TBD
Wednesday, October 2nd: Elementary Principal Meeting @Centerville 10:00
Thursday, October 3rd: Literacy DSAC Meeting 9-11:30 in Stoneham: Fire Prevention (See Pat's Newsletter)
Friday, October 4th: K GLM @ 1:10

Monday October 7th: Grade 3 GLM @1:10
Wednesday October 9th: Staff Meeting @ 2:30 in the library
Thursday October 10th: Curriculum Night 5:30-7:00: PTO Meeting is rescheduled to Oct 17th
Friday Ocotober 11th: Early Release: Time Allotted for SMART Goals for all teams

Articles Worth Reading

9 Things You do NOT Need to be Happy  via Marc Chernoff @marcandangel

It's Not About You! via The Nerdy Teacher @thenerdyteacher

10 Ways to Make the Rest of the Day Amazing via Marc and Angel Hack Life @marcandangel

You Can Be More Successful By Being More Optimistic Everyday via @ToddWhitaker (includes a video)

Recent PARCC Assessment Up-Dates via @Wowzers


Videos Worth Viewing

The Significance of Grit

Elyse Eidman on Writing in the Digital Age (Writing Project)

Finding a Balance

This is a picture of Crane Beach in Ipswich.  This morning my husband and I walked down to our community dock, dragged our kayaks out of the marsh and started our adventure down river to Crane Beach. The water was calm, the sun was shining, and the only living beings around were seagulls and fish. It was peaceful, serene and what I try to make a weekly adventure that always puts life in perspective.  Granted, it was early...earlier than I wish to admit since my message today is about finding balance. Truth be told, this is something I am continually working on.  As educators, our job is never done. Honestly, I could work 24/7 as I'm sure you could and feel like there is still more to do. As the leader of the school, of course my expectations are high and I expect the best of the staff for the children we serve on a daily basis. With that said, in order to succeed in this realm, we all need to find balance between our professional and personal lives.

For me, a ride on a kayak or sitting at the beach with just my husband or with our children gives me peace of mind and puts the drama and issues of the week  in perspective. I truly love my job and the people I work with day in and day out ... but first and foremost I love my family.  In order for me to be healthy and the best I can be on the job for my professional family, I need balance. This week, I challenge you to look at your own life and find the balance the makes you the best you can be for your own family, as well as the family we have at school.

Videos Worth Watching

How To Make Stress Your Friend

Ron McCallum: How technology allowed me to read

True Example of Growth Mindset! 

Articles Worth Reading

10 Things I wish I Knew My First Year of Teaching via @TeachThought

What Inspires Me via @casas_jimmy

What Does Quality Teacher Mean Anyway? via @NMHS_Principal

Here We Go !

We have officially welcomed all students back this week and we are off to what I know will be a successful year. With the addition of passionate new staff members, including our new therapy dog, Serenity to add to our already stellar staff, it is inevitable that we will continue to grow together in a culture of excellence.

Speaking of growing, I challenge each and every one of you to truly reflect on what a growth mindset entails for you as a professional.  As we move forward this year, it is critical that we believe we can always grow beyond where we are.  It is irrelevant if you have been in education for 20 plus years or if this is your first. The journey never ends. We can always be better tomorrow than we are today. To me, that is exciting! The expectations for educators are high and the job is difficult, but our work matters. We truly do make a difference in the lives of children. Please remember this when the going gets tough or you are feeling overwhelmed. YOU matter and the work you do matters.

In order to not only grow but excel, individuals need to be in positive and supportive environment. As it is for children, it is for adults. Continue to work together as a team, support growth and forward thinking, take risks, and smile! : ) Do this and know I am your biggest cheerleader! Let the journey begin.

Kudos
Thank you to Heidi and the Reading Team for the book closet and bulletin board, Dorothy for the Bus Schedule, Margy for the first successful community meeting on Growth Mindset, Jen Chirco for helping with extra duties, Mrs. Roy for being Ryan's 1:1, Keith and Richie for a building to be proud of, Jen and Serenity for staying for the Cove Picnic, Grace for the endless work on special education schedules and of course Pat...for everything.

Articles Worth Reading

8 Good Morning Questions to Create Happiness by @marcandangel

Teaching Fish to Climb Trees by @ajjuliani

5 Phrases to Say to Kids Everyday by @JFuhrman3932

The Courage to Teach by @shiraleibowitz

Next Week at a Glance

Monday Sept 9th: Elementary Principals Meeting 9:00 at Memorial
Tuesday Sept 10th: Literacy Meeting 1:10 Dorothy and Heidi
Wednesday Sept 11th: Staff Meeting @2:30
Thursday Sept 12th: Picture Day, PTO Meeting @ 7:00
Friday Sept 13th: DIBELS Testing Begins

In case you did not get a chance to view Rita Pierson's Every Kid Needs a Champion...check it out.