NFV News
February Newsletter
Welcome to February
Iowa School Performance Profiles released this week
So, why are we "Acceptable" and not "Commendable".
Our composite is down a bit, but we are still in the Acceptable range. There are six ranges, Priority, Needs Improvement, Acceptable, Commendable, High Performing and Exceptional. Let's take a loom at some of the state's data not included in this score:
- We have a 94.8% Attendance rate; exactly on the state average. however, in the High School, we have a 17.9% Chronic absenteeism. Children who miss 10 percent or more of the days they should be in school – for any reason – are considered chronically absent. Children who are chronically absent from school are at risk of falling behind, which can hurt their chances of success in school.
- In 2018, last year for which we have this data, 68 students were suspended or expelled for behavioral incidents, most commonly for disrupting classes repeatedly, but also for fighting and/or possession of banned materials. That's 6.5% of our enrollment. When we consider our score for "Conditions for Learning" these disruptions matter.
- When considering "Conditions for Learning", we are closer to the state average than last year, but that is where we must continue to grow. Student to student relationships, adult student relationships, and emotional safety, at school and at home, impact these conditions.
Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood.
Have you ever tried to get through to someone with an important idea only to be interrupted and second guessed by the listener? I have to check myself sometimes and not interfere with a person's story or description of their problem. This Habit, basically says "listen first" then formulate your response. If what you've heard does not make sense to you, ask clarifying questions, repeat back what you've heard and ask if that's accurate, be patient, and allow the talker to make you understand.
That is hard for children. It's hard for many adults. When we want to solve a problem for someone before we know exactly what the problem is both parties get frustrated. Did you ever wonder why talking louder and saying the same things happens in grown-up conversations? Typically means someone is not listening, or they don't understand, and they need the listeners help to get to their point. The following paragraph from the Parent's Guide to the Leader In Me is very helpful:
"Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood means it is better to listen first and talk second. By taking the time to listen to another person, you reach a higher level of communication. Teaching Habit 5 to young children is done by first considering their age and development. Young children find it difficult to understand another’s paradigm, (point of view). This habit is best approached by introducing listening as a skill that should be practiced. Learning to listen without interrupting and learning to listen with your ears, your eyes, and your heart will help children build a foundation for Habit 5. Simply put, we have two ears and one mouth so that we can spend more time listening with the intent to understand."
If you are interested in the Parents Guide, (Leader In Me © Copyright 2017) you can link to it on the Staff Resources.
North Fayette Valley Schools
Email: dwillhite@nfv.k12.ia.us
Website: nfvschools.com
Location: 600 North Pine Street, West Union, IA, USA
Phone: 563-422-3851
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NFVCSD/
Twitter: @NFVtigerhawks