Mrs. Ring's Weekly Update
West Harrison Principal
The Objective of Objectives
One of the newest challenges we have taken on is that of Learning Objectives. What is that? Learning objectives are clearly defined outcomes for the day of learning. Basically, it is the teacher and students agreeing on what the learning will be for the day. We all know that if we know what it is we are supposed to be doing (or learning), then as we work our way through the process, we can focus on what is important. There are some definite advantages to using learning objectives at West Harrison.
1. The teacher is clear about what he or she wants students to know or be able to do as a result of the lesson. This means the teacher has spent some time thinking about the lesson and can truly focus on what they have decided is most important, based on standards and assessments. Teachers can refer to the learning objective throughout the lesson and make sure to assess student learning at the end of class to see the degree to which they "got it." The bonus to this is that teachers then know where to start the next day.
2. The student knows exactly what is it is they are supposed to know or be able to do as a result of the lesson. We have all been in classes where we think we know what is important, only to find out when we get the test or are assigned the essay that we were wrong. This will ensure our students know what the intention of the lesson is and the reason for learning it.
3. Learning objectives should be in student-friendly language. I've asked teachers to start all objectives with "I can..." so as to have a common vocabulary, no matter the class.
This is new to our teachers and they are in the midst of a challenging learning process. I've asked them to begin with one class and to add more classes as they gain knowledge and confidence. Therefore, your student may not see or use learning objectives in all classes yet. Our hope is to accomplish this goal by the end of the semester. We can do it!
Below are some pictures I took of some of the learning objectives that our middle and high school teachers are using as examples for you. Ask your child about learning objectives!
Middle School Lunch Fun!
There has been a change in the way we "do" lunch for your student. Students sit at four tables and we have named them "Monday," "Tuesday," "Wednesday," and "Thursday." We rotate who gets to line up first (a HUGE deal to all teens! Food!) by the day of the week. Monday goes first on Monday, then Tuesday, Wednesday, and so on.
Who eats first on Friday? Students are given points, based on the table's behavior in the line, at the table, and during the 15 minute recess time at the end of the lunch period.
The table with the most points at the end of the week gets to eat first! Then, we go in order of point totals. We had a tie yesterday between our Tuesday and Wednesday tables and had a fun Rock, Paper, Scissors tie-breaker to decide.
In the future, I'd like to offer and reward our tables with high points (meaning they are showing the expected behavior) other incentives like extra recess time, snacks, or anything else that is low in cost and high in fun. I've asked the kids to start thinking of ideas!
Below, you can see the rubric we are using when scoring the tables at lunch. So far, it's been fun!
Student Expectations: Dress
This excerpt is from the student handbook and gives a good idea of our prohibited attire. If you are questioning if your student's clothing is appropriate, then it may not be; ask them to change. Teachers have been asked to remain consistent with these expectations.
CLOTHING SHOULD BE OF AN APPROPRIATE SIZE. THESE ARE EXAMPLES OF PROHIBITED ATTIRE, NOT A LIMITED LIST:
CLOTHING THAT EXPOSES THE MIDRIFF, BACK OR SHOULDERS
NO TANK TOPS-MALE OR FEMALE AND/OR UNDERGARMENTS
CLOTHING SHOULD BE OF AN APPROPRIATE SIZE
OTHER PROHIBITED ATTIRE ARE :
HATS
INAPPROPRIATE LANGUAGE, SEXUAL INNUENDOS OR GRAPHICS ON CLOTHING, PAJAMAS,
BANDANAS, HEADBANDS/SWEATBANDS (THAT AREN’T A HAIR CONTROL DEVICE).
REFERENCES TO DRUG, ALCOHOL AND/OR TOBACCO ARE ALSO CONSIDERED INAPPROPRIATE.
If any staff member deems a student's clothing to be inappropriate he/she will be required to change or will be sent home.
Contact Us!
Email: cring@w-harrison.k12.ia.us
Website: https://www.westharrison.school/
Location: 410 Pine Street, Mondamin, IA, USA
Phone: 7126462231
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westharrisoncsd/
Twitter: @WH_HAWKEYES