SUMMER SLIDE; WASHINGTON Elementary
PRINCIPAL, SUMMER UPDATE, JULY 20, 2017
Movie Trailer- Washington Elementary, Fall 2017
Summer Experiences; A part of the learning journey!
I hope you are having an amazing summer with family and friends. It is my hope that you've settled into the routines of summer! The routines of doing dishes, cleaning your room, reading, eating dinner on the patio, soaking up the summer sun at baseball games, watching a parade or two, spent time fishing, swimming, playing soccer, golf, going for a walk or simply relaxing. Summer is an important time to develop friendships, let your mind wander and, of course, read a good book or two. We are coming up on the month of August and preparations are underway for your return. Look for details about signing up for early entrance conferences in mid-August mailing. Save the dates: August 22 and 23 are early entrance conference sign ups. Conferences with your child's will teacher take place on September 5 and 6. The first day of school is September 7th! I hope see you yet this summer! Enjoy the 2nd half of the summer season! Read, Read, Read!
Leadership and Excellence Vision for our school... What role will you play?
The Washington Wildcat Community is committed to a vision of creating a culture of Leadership and Excellence where, in the words of Stephen Covey, students will develop the skills and mindsets to lead their own lives, to be able to work effectively with others and make a meaning contribution wherever they go in life.
At the core of our vision is a commitment to each other; Wildcat 2 Wildcat. Positive relationships are supported by the Wildcat 2 Wildcat mentoring system where we work to build a commitment to community and personalization of learning. The result will be a safe and supportive environment focused on developing leadership capacity in all students. We envision a student centered culture with a laser like focus on our primary purpose of student learning; a place where differences are embraced and healthy relationships feed a culture of collaboration, creative thinking and high expectations.
In our school, the culture of leadership and excellence will include explicit instruction, authentic learning experiences inclusive of leadership development, student voice, goal setting and reflection. In the words of Stephen Covey, the ultimate end in mind with students is not academics, school culture, or leadership skills. Those are all means. The ultimate end in mind is for students to develop the skills and mindsets that will allow them to lead their own lives, to be able to work effectively with others, and to make a meaningful contribution wherever they go in life -- at home, at school, at work and at play.
Leader in Me Training
Developing Capacity to Lead
Leader in Me Training
Washington Elementary's Leadership and Excellence Journey
Dear Parents and Families:
The Washington Elementary School Staff received training in the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People on June 6 and 7. This was possible due to a grant awarded this past spring to enter into an agreement with the Franklin Covey organization to become a Leader in Me School. The Leader in Me designation provides us with resources (website access, coaching, and instructional materials) to support our vision of creating a Culture of Leadership and Excellence; a place where all students develop the academic, personal and socials skills to be life ready.
We are excited that you are with us on this exciting adventure. I appreciate your time and energy investment as we look to make a difference in the lives of children. We get an opportunity each and every day to be our best for the children we serve. At Washington Elementary, it is our desire to further develop a culture of leadership and excellence.
Guided by the District 77 Strategic Roadmap, Washington Elementary is committed to preparing our students to be life ready. The first three strategic directions of five in the roadmap, point us to develop systems and programming to support the concept of preparing students to be life ready.
· Direction A: Student learning and engagement
· Direction B: Developing district culture and practices of partnership and connectedness between staff, students, families and community for student learning
· Direction C: Increase readiness for all students to ensure options for life.
The diagram, click here, illustrates the important components of a leadership culture.
It is our vision to create a culture of leadership and excellence where each person sees their worth and potential so clearly that they are inspired to rise to their potential (Stephen and Sean Covey, 2014). We believe that children have a strong knowledgeable base when they graduate; they must also be healthy, engaged, responsible, and caring people. The Leader in Me supports our shared vision and supports our desire to lead in a way that addresses all areas of development. As each child discovers and develops his or her unique gifts and talents, they are given opportunities to lead. As leaders, they become active, engaged partners in their own education and their self-confidence, responsibility, and initiative grows. Evidence shows that students quickly understand the benefits of different gifts and talents; they learn to listen to new ideas, work together to achieve results, and motivate one another to be the best. Together, we will watch each and every child grow throughout the year.
We are often asked how parents can support their school’s leadership initiative. Each time we are asked we will give the same answer “Use the 7 Habits language at home.” As the school year unfolds, students will be learning and using the language and applying the meaning of the 7 Habits in their lives. By hearing the same language at home and at school, you send the children a strong message of what you believe is important and that we are all on the same team—the team that wants to help succeed. When parents and schools support one another, the sky is the limit! Below is a summary of each of the habits:
Habit 1: Be Proactive (You’re in Charge)
Habit 2: Begin With the End in Mind (Have a Plan)
Habit 3: Put First Things First (Work First, Then Play)
Habit 4: Think Win-Win (Everyone Can Win)
Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood ( Listen Before You Talk)
Habit 6: Synergize (Together Is Better)
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw (Balance Feels Best)
I look forward to continuous dialog and partnership on this leadership and excellence journey. There will be opportunities to learn more about our vision the Washington School community in the coming months.
We have developed 5 desired outcomes related to a leadership and excellence culture.
1. A safe and supportive environment focused on developing leadership capacity in all students.
2. A student centered culture with a laser like focus on our primary purpose of student learning
3. An environment where differences are embraced and celebrated
4. Healthy relationships where every student has at least one adult advocate and peer friendship.
5. Develop the skills and mindsets that allow students to lead their own lives, to be able to work effectively with others and make a meaningful contribution wherever they go in life. (Stephen and Sean Covey, Leader in Me)
If you have any questions or feedback, please contact me by email at sbaier1@isd77.k12.mn.us or by phone at 507-345-3059.
Sincerely,
Shane Baier
Coming Up...
- Entry Conference Sign up: August 22 and 23 (Come to Washington Elementary to complete forms and sign up for early entrance conferences)
- Entry Conferences: September 5 and 6
- 1st Day of School for K-5: September 7
- September Two-Hour Late Start: September 19