Friday Focus Apr17
Learning for Life
Okay with messy
We have made it another great week here at BHS! Congratulations to our FBLA students on their success at state contests. That's a great experience for them. Our spring sports are in the heart of their seasons. Last night, baseball, tennis, track, and soccer all had great success.
Recently, I was visiting classrooms and made a couple of observations. In one class, students were working in groups on an activity, and I could tell the teacher wasn't entirely satisfied with how it was going. Some students weren't taking it as seriously as they should, and maybe not communicating in a way that was supporting the goals. As I reflected on the visit, I was thinking about how great it was that the teacher was aiming to get her students actively learning, instead of just being passive participants in the classroom. Sure, it was a little messy and student behavior wasn't perfect, but it wasn't for lack of trying. If we try something, and it doesn't work the way we want, that provides an opportunity to reflect and think of ways to make it better next time. Don't be afraid to take a risk in the classroom. With the proper mindset, a risk can keep teaching fresh and help you feel more satisfaction with your impact.
On another note, as we speed towards the end of the school year, stay strong in your focus on learning. It's easy to get a little worn down this year, and the students may try to shut down a little too. The best thing we can do to model the 'finish strong' mindset is to may each day count, to the very end. When making my way around the building recently, I noticed a number of classrooms watching videos. And videos can be a helpful instructional tool, especially if they are short, and/or the teacher has strategies in place to promote thinking during the viewing (stopping for discussion, questions to answer, a comparison/contrast, etc.). My concern is that if we are giving students a heavy dose of videos (longer, not short clips) throughout their day, their experience at school may be more passive than participant.
Recently, I was visiting classrooms and made a couple of observations. In one class, students were working in groups on an activity, and I could tell the teacher wasn't entirely satisfied with how it was going. Some students weren't taking it as seriously as they should, and maybe not communicating in a way that was supporting the goals. As I reflected on the visit, I was thinking about how great it was that the teacher was aiming to get her students actively learning, instead of just being passive participants in the classroom. Sure, it was a little messy and student behavior wasn't perfect, but it wasn't for lack of trying. If we try something, and it doesn't work the way we want, that provides an opportunity to reflect and think of ways to make it better next time. Don't be afraid to take a risk in the classroom. With the proper mindset, a risk can keep teaching fresh and help you feel more satisfaction with your impact.
On another note, as we speed towards the end of the school year, stay strong in your focus on learning. It's easy to get a little worn down this year, and the students may try to shut down a little too. The best thing we can do to model the 'finish strong' mindset is to may each day count, to the very end. When making my way around the building recently, I noticed a number of classrooms watching videos. And videos can be a helpful instructional tool, especially if they are short, and/or the teacher has strategies in place to promote thinking during the viewing (stopping for discussion, questions to answer, a comparison/contrast, etc.). My concern is that if we are giving students a heavy dose of videos (longer, not short clips) throughout their day, their experience at school may be more passive than participant.
How is it going?
Be reminded to try the Think-Aloud strategy with your students this month. We will meet for a whole-faculty meeting to share out, and everyone will be expected to have some ideas to reflect on. :D
No matter your content area, you can use this strategy with your students. Use a relevant reading passage to introduce, reinforce, support, or reflect on the content you are teaching.
No matter your content area, you can use this strategy with your students. Use a relevant reading passage to introduce, reinforce, support, or reflect on the content you are teaching.
Finals Schedule
Since graduation has moved back a week or so this year it has caused us to rethink the schedule for seniors down the stretch. Their last regular academic day will be Tuesday, May 19th.
Here is the finals schedule we've developed: Finals Schedule Spring 2015
Here is the finals schedule we've developed: Finals Schedule Spring 2015
Friday, May 15th
Senior Finals Even Classes
Monday, May 18th
Finals Review Odd Classes (all students)
Tuesday, May 19th
Finals Odd Classes (all students)
Wednesday, May 20th
Senior Scholarship Recognition 9:30-10:30AM
Senior Brick Painting
Thursday, May 21st
Yearbook Pick Up
Senior Brick Painting
Friday, May 22nd
Graduation Practice 9:00AM
Senior Brick Painting
More upcoming events
April 16-17
State FFA Convention
April 21
Foreign Language Competition MSSU Joplin
April 25
Prom
April 27-30
EOC Testing
April 28
Statewide ACT for Juniors
May 1
FFA Parent-Member Banquet
State FFA Convention
April 21
Foreign Language Competition MSSU Joplin
April 25
Prom
April 27-30
EOC Testing
April 28
Statewide ACT for Juniors
May 1
FFA Parent-Member Banquet