Advancing the Vision 4-20

This week as I went into classrooms, I was looking for those moments of joy and inspiration!  I was surprised to find them in several places inside and outside the classrooms and even outside the building!  First, the primary wing has added a lot of color to the hallways with their decoration of the new bulletin boards.  (By the way, we should have enough money after July 1st to get the intermediate hallway boards, as well).  

Check out this one outside of kindergarten!

Not only is it colorful, but also, by posting the learning target with it, the display communicates that everyone mastering the learning is to be celebrated. 

When you go down the intermediate hallway, you can find that same type of celebration outside of Mrs. Vance's classroom.  She communicates the same message and with her clips reserving a spot for each child, she also communicates that each student is expected to get there.  

The standard attached to each student's work is a message to both students and adults of the standard that has been targeted.  It's a great way to provide one's own accountability for making sure student products are congruent to the learning target and that the target truly aligns with the standard.

Mini observations this week provided me the opportunity to see teachers and students shine!  When I went into Mr. Thompson's classroom, I saw a masterful balance and blend of direct instruction/overt responses/accountability/engagement.  That's what an All Write Round Robin can do for you and your students!  The students' notetaking was driven by their group's contribution to the All Write Round Robin and then confirmed through class discussion.  It was a really neat way to make what could have been just lecture and notetaking much more engaging.  

It was super exciting to see students shine last week when they got their awards for the conservation contests, as well.   It was also fantastic to see our academic team get recognized at the board meeting this month.  Be sure to check out those pictures on our facebook page! 

All these moments reminded me that our culture is more than just a feeling the adults get through their work and interactions with colleagues.  Our culture is built by everyone in our building.  We all play a part in communicating and supporting a nurturing and loving culture and climate of high expectations, continuous growth, and support of all students.