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The Week Ahead.......Monday August 28th-
Day 5-
Out of Building-Paup(Half Day AM)
Tuesday August 29th-
Day 6-
Out of Building-None
Wednesday August 30th-
Day 1-
Grades K & 1 Data Meeting
Book Exchange begins
Cub Connection Information Due
Out of Building- Groff (Half Day PM)
Thursday August 31st-
Day 2-
Instrument Band Demo
Grade 5 Data Meeting
Band Demonstrations @ 10 AM
Out of Building-None
Friday September 1st-
Day 3-
Grade 2 Data Meeting
Strings Demonstrations @ 10 AM
Student Universal Handbook Sign-off Sheets Due
Faculty Handbook Sign-Off Sheets Due
Unannounced Fire Drill
Out of Building-Kopp (Full Day)
PLC in Print
Priority number one: Day one
From the Master Teacher Pd Program, master teachers DeBruyn & DeBruyn state that in order for a “classroom to have a healthy climate for student learning, four conditions are required: First, a physical environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and conducive to learning. Second, a social environment that promotes communication and interaction. Third, an environment that promotes a sense of belonging and self-esteem. Fourth, an environment that promotes learning and self-fulfillment.”
As you begin this year, it is important to continuously remember and be cognizant of what school climate research suggests: that positive interpersonal relationships and optimal learning opportunities for students in all demographic environments are vital to both student and teacher. Research and classroom experience have revealed that the four aspects mentioned in the first paragraph increase achievement levels and reduce maladaptive behavior. In fact, research continues to suggest that success in achieving both the positive classroom culture and successful growth and learning cannot be ensured when any of the four basics are missing.
It is also important to know that with a strong culture of learning there are three major indicators existing in the classroom: Collaboration, collegiality, and efficacy. Collaboration is to the degree that students and faculty work together, share information and instructional strategies, and encourage constructive discussions and debates. Collegiality includes a sense of belonging, emotional support, and inclusion as a valued member of the class and school. Finally, efficacy focuses on how all the stakeholders view themselves. Do they feel as if they have control of their destiny or view themselves as victims of “the system”? Are you seeking out and employing best practices and research-supported evidence of good teaching -- or are you rigidly attached to the status quo? Students who feel that they are helpless victims and teachers who are rigidly attached to the status quo are those we need to lift up as we all move toward a healthy culture -- without it it is certain that high-levels of learning and achievement will not be produced with both learners, child and adult.
The Master Teacher knows the goals of climate and culture for learning doesn’t just happen. The Master Teacher also knows that to achieve a positive and successful climate and culture, high achievement and high satisfaction must be built upon a foundation the produces an environment for all who live, learn, and work in a school. Both goals are important for two reasons. It’s impossible to get high achievement with low satisfaction - and for low satisfaction to give students or teachers the experience and rewards of high achievement. Fortunately, with being an advocate for every student as your guide, the climate and culture you create can make a difference in your effectiveness - and your life and success of every student.
To learn more...Center for improving school culture. Online: www.schoolculture.net
Bits and Bytes
- Keep an eye out for upcoming information regarding Field Trips. Applications will be due September 29
- Data Meetings - While discussing ROAR this week, please also be prepared to answer scheduling questions regarding your classroom Math Assistant needs.
