This Week at AES
2/6 - 2/11
Important Information
- We will have a staff meeting on 2/7 in lieu of meeting with WLES. Please bring a mobile device (phone, iPad, or Laptop) to the meeting. If you are bringing a phone or iPad, please down load the Adobe Spark Video app. Also please bring a few digital pictures.
- Feb 13 - 17 will be the Random Acts of Kindness Week
- We are in a tough spot for subs. Please know that when you are out, you will rarely have someone that is as good as you are. Please think of it this way; a Kentucky basketball player steps off the court and they put in someone from the YMCA 50 and over league.
- If you have a sub instructional assistant. I would have them do word list, math fact type of work. Be planned and prepared for the worst. IF you get a quality sub, love every minute of it.
- I need to meet with every grade level once you have submitted your essential learnings.
- Tim and Denzil will be doing light cleaning in your classrooms on Mondays and Wednesdays. On those days please attempt to sanitize student desks and make sure your rooms are picked up. On those nights, they will be doing a deeper clean in other areas.
PLC To Do List
I realize that these are due today. If you have not turned them in, please do so as soon as possible.
- Essential Standards: 2/3
- Writing times to Caleb: 2/3
- Data Info (on Google Drive) updated with grade level numbers: 2/3
#Best Environment
Thank you Rick Case for going the extra mile to find music for the upcoming Random Acts of Kindness Week.
#Best Opportunities
#Best Instruction
Learning and Growing
This past week I was discussing the implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) with an outstanding teacher. We have been going through some tremendous shifts over the past few years. This is yet another change that will drastically alter the way we do business in the classroom. As we were talking about the need for this change, I shared that we should approach NGSS implementation like a scientist. Our classrooms should become laboratories to test, fail, learn, and test again. Only through following this cycle can we ever discover the best instructional approaches for our classrooms. The teacher appeared very relieved by this statement and she stated, "So if you are giving me permission to fail.....I can do that."
You guys are all probably familiar with the Magic School Bus series (video and book). Ms. Frizzle is the crazy, fun teacher who leads her students through adventures in learning. Her catch phrase for students is Take Chances, Make Mistakes, Get Messy. Essentially she is saying that to learn and grow you have to be willing to take chances and fail. Our classrooms and schools have to be places where we are constantly seeking the BEST for our students.
As a classroom teacher, I would use this time of year to begin reflecting on my practices in the classroom and begin making my plans for the following year. That hasn't changed much as a school leader. I am still very focused on the current school year, but my dad always told me that a great leader keeps his eye on today and tomorrow. I've been really thinking about our Vision and how we can achieve the best for our students. I am excited about some of the changes coming to our school. There is no doubt that we will be taking some chances, making mistakes, and getting messy.
So as I wrap up, I ask you. How are you going to get messy in your classroom? What are you doing to provide the best opportunities, environment, and instruction for your kids? Be the change that makes a different for your kids.