Welcome Back!
Welcome back to the beginning of a new school year! It's so great to see everyone! This year, I am excited to share the following additions in the areas of Curriculum and Instructional Technology: 1) These monthly newsletters will come out with updates on PD, technology tips, and news from staff/students sharing what's happening in classrooms. 2) A year long, robust mentorship program for new teachers in the district. We will be working on instructional practices, providing necessary support, and completing a book study together. We are reading The Innovator's Mindset by George Couros and meeting monthly. 3) A district team to work on innovative instructional practices. They will work with the Teach Better Team, specifically Chad Ostrowski, to work on innovative, personalized instructional strategies. 4. Building wide committees to focus on equity and inclusivity. Our first goal this year is to become designated NO PLACE FOR HATE schools through the Anti-Defamation League. I am so excited to embark on all of this work with all of you. Here is the first newsletter to share some happenings that occurred here over the summer. Please feel free to share with me any updates in your classroom or department as the year goes on so we can highlight all of the wonderful experiences the students receive in WHB!
Meet Mr. Chad Ostroski !
Chad, or “Mr. O” as his students fondly call him, taught middle school science in a high-needs district where he held multiple leadership roles. It was here that he developed The Grid Method- Mastery Learning System within his own classroom and witnessed the success of his students. After dedicating his time to instructing other teachers how to use his methods, Chad made the difficult decision to leave the classroom so that he could reach more schools, more teachers, and, most importantly, more students. Chad has presented at numerous educational conferences and continues to develop and research innovative educational practices. HERE IS A LINK to a FREE course on Chad's grid method.
Sign up for the District Team to work with Chad HERE on October 22, 2021!
 |  |  |
HS The high school is very excited to welcome the Functioning Academic Learning Program (FALP) into the building. This summer, the mental health team worked towards providing support to staff to incorporate social-emotional learning in the classrooms. Also, the media specialist along with English teachers, added relevant topics to the 9th grade research paper as well as scaffolded skills to help students become critical thinkers, consumers, and creators of content. A poetry unit of diverse authors was added for upperclassmen. | MS The middle school created a personalized learning period in lieu of study halls centered around a problem based learning task. The students are being asked to solve the following question: How can we protect our local beach environment? They will be showing their mastery of this question and grade-level standards in a variety of different ways. Learn more about the period by clicking on this presentation! | ES Learning in the greenhouse is back! The elementary school will be running a monthly hands on program for all students. September will be filled with Harvest Days, seed savings for next year, and food storage/canning lessons. Stay tuned for all of the garden activities and programs available to our ES students! |
HS
The high school is very excited to welcome the Functioning Academic Learning Program (FALP) into the building. This summer, the mental health team worked towards providing support to staff to incorporate social-emotional learning in the classrooms. Also, the media specialist along with English teachers, added relevant topics to the 9th grade research paper as well as scaffolded skills to help students become critical thinkers, consumers, and creators of content. A poetry unit of diverse authors was added for upperclassmen.
MS
The middle school created a personalized learning period in lieu of study halls centered around a problem based learning task. The students are being asked to solve the following question: How can we protect our local beach environment? They will be showing their mastery of this question and grade-level standards in a variety of different ways. Learn more about the period by clicking on this presentation!
ES
Learning in the greenhouse is back! The elementary school will be running a monthly hands on program for all students. September will be filled with Harvest Days, seed savings for next year, and food storage/canning lessons. Stay tuned for all of the garden activities and programs available to our ES students!
Twitter Challenge
Join Twitter to start growing your #pln. The ideas and connections are endless. Follow Dr. Probst and me! @cjprobst @JessicaT_Wills @Whbschools @WhbMentors and use #WHBPride hashtag.
First challenge is to join and follow the above people/groups. Also, follow five Edu leaders to build your community. Here are some leaders and their handles to get started!
