AMCMS Principal's Office

Read the quote above. What immediately comes to your mind when you read this? Think about that for a moment.

For me, I think of the need for us all to be willing and vulnerable enough to ask any of these questions:

what needs to change in the classroom?
what needs to change in the classroom in the lesson?
what needs to change in the classroom in the design?
what needs to change in the classroom in the way I delivered the lesson?

It is natural to think, what is wrong with the student. I read a blog about this very thing just this morning. The blog is written by a teacher in Semi Valley, California and she has an excellent perspective about this very topic. It involves dancing shoes and the classroom. I think you should read her blog as well. Click here to read it and then come back.

What do you think? Cori framed the situation nicely and she also shared some great thinking and perspective.

So what do you think now? Do we change the flower or the environment? How does that apply to your daily work?

Think. Achieve. Succeed.

Jeff

AMCMS SPED Tip of the Week

What If

Every day, we are presented with a fresh, new opportunity to help our students grow. And each new day has the potential to be life-changing for our students. Ultimately, the opportunity and potential begin with our mindset as educators.

What if we began each class period by letting ALL of our students know that we are glad to see them (even the students who can be difficult at times)?

What if we gave ALL students a clean slate EVERY DAY (even if they acted terribly in class the day before)?

What if we maintained high expectations for ALL of our students EVERY SINGLE DAY (even for the students who maybe haven't done a single thing all year)?

These "what ifs" cost us nothing at all; however, these "what ifs" could make the difference between a good day and a bad day, a completed assignment and an incomplete one, a developing relationship or a crushed one. These small "what ifs" right now might determine whether a student drops out of school or graduates high school.

Every day, we are given a fantastic opportunity.

What if we took advantage of it?

Beth Sherry

Academic Tip of the Week

Do you have a student that seems to struggle with behavior and expectations... or just following directions?

Try This:

Allow students to ask questions to clarify any misunderstandings. We all do better when we understand what we are doing and what is expected of us.

Wellness Tip of the Week

NATURAL ALLERGY ADVERSARIES. Looking for natural ways to fend off seasonal allergy symptoms? Sometimes the solutions are simple!

Keep allergens out! Keep windows closed or certain rooms pet-free to limit your exposure. Regular dusting and vacuuming helps, too.
Cold and caffeine for puffy eyes. Caffeine-based creams or cold compresses can be especially soothing for irritated eyes.
Get buzzy! Some studies show pure, raw, local honey may help build natural antibodies to pollen.
Try a neti pot. This ancient Indian tradition provides a natural method of nasal cleansing.
Track pollen counts. Watch the news, listen to the radio or visit local weather websites to check pollen levels before you head out.