Principal's Newsletter
April 2015
Spirit Week!
PARCC testing begins!
( PARCC). Although, a challenge for a small school with limited bandwidth, we are happy to report that we were able to successfully administer this test to our students. Teachers and students were all challenged by the new test format and content, but we look forward to learning from the assessment results, with the ultimate goal being that we help students be better prepared for the future. Our next round of assessments will be during the month of May.
Sports Shorts!!
Kiley Hall was honored by her division this past week for her outstanding skill in girl's basketball this year.
Thanks must go out to our athletic director Robbie Closter for his hours of planning to help make our sports program meld with our academic agenda. It is a difficult balance here on Block Island, but our students and staff always rise to the challenge.
Baseball Season kicks off this week. Check out our website for game times.
Habits of Mind, cont.......
Whether in math class or Tech Ed. class, "Students who value accuracy, precision and craftsmanship take time to check over their products. They review the rules by which they are to abide; they review the models and visions they are to follow; and they review the criteria they are to employ and confirm that their finished product matches the criteria exactly. To be craftsmanlike means knowing that one can continually perfect one's craft by working to attain the highest possible standards, and pursue ongoing learning in order to bring a laser-like focus of energies to task accomplishment."
Striving for precision and accuracy is a worthy goal for all of us. I encourage all parents to find those moments when you can reinforce these habits with your child. All of these habits can be reinforced outside of the classroom in everyday experiences. When doing household chores or while playing on the beach, searching for just the right moment to recognize these habits outside of school can really help to reinforce what we do at school.
Pennies from Heaven
Poetry Fun!
Speaking of a good Poem!! While in Boston, the 11th and 12th graders visited the Old North Church and impressed the tour guide with their knowledge of the poem of Paul Rever's Ride by Longfellow. Thanks to Ms. Flaherty's inspiration, every 8th grader at the BIS are required to memorize all 108 lines. If you don't believe me, ask a random high schooler, it is an impressive accomplishment that is not easily forgotten!!
Finally, The Block Island Poetry Project in conjunction Ana Flores , an environmental sculptor from Rhode Island,have brought a great art and nature program called Poetry of the Wild to our school. Kindergarten and grade 8 students under the direction of our teachers, Mark Mollicone, Lisa Robb and Debbie Hart, have built and decorated beautiful poetry boxes that will be placed in nature around the Island. The concept, developed by Flores melds art, poetry and landscapes into a community project. These boxes will be stationed in nature around the Island. Each box will hold a journal that visitors can use to share their drawings, poems or comments about the project. Similar projects have been done in Mystic, New London and cities in the country.