A culture of caring & commitment
High expectations are hand in hand with heart
Engaging Personal Culture
"Change has to start with educators before it can realistically begin to take place with students...their ability to form authentic and effective relationships across differences." -- Gary R. Howard (2007) from As Diversity Grows, So Must We
FMS teachers and staff have embedded this type of thinking in their everyday approach. Below are just a few of the many examples of the power of FMS educators embracing the importance of building relationships and connecting with students.
FMS teachers and staff have embedded this type of thinking in their everyday approach. Below are just a few of the many examples of the power of FMS educators embracing the importance of building relationships and connecting with students.
Ongoing formative assessment that is real world AND fun
Mr. Crosslin has created a real-world experience for students to understand absolute and relative error, the importance of accuracy in measurement and the use of multiple mathematical formulas. He has high expectations, but provides clear expectations and acts as "Quality Control" throughout the activity to formatively assess where students are in the process.
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Letting students take the lead
Coach Campbell is a great motivator for her volleyball students, but she also recognizes sometimes our students can do as well or better than we can. The players listened intently as Ike teaches them the importance of having heart, spirit, and pride.
Building bridges with students
Mr. Waldrop invited Coach Graham to speak to his Agriscience class. Students who had an athletic connection to Coach Graham learned about his passion for farming and the value he places on what he has learned from farming about respect, hard work, and how to treat others.
Established routines & engaging activities
Dr. Morgan's students have clear learning targets each day to guide their learning. He has also created a classroom culture where students help one another navigate the engineering software used to design a house.
Fostering communication and collaboration through math talks
Ms. Farris provides opportunities for her students to work together to solve mathematical equations. The students enjoy the varied response format and the ability to put their work on display.
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Leaders as lifelong learners
FMS teachers demonstrate a growth mindset by remaining open to new ideas for teaching and engaging students. They model a love of learning by attending professional development or doing independent research and then applying what they have learned in their classrooms.
Using Smore Online Flyers
Ms. Christy has made her first Smore to teach students about Greece. Her flyer provides information for them to read, videos to watch, and an assignment to respond to their learning.
Pinterest pays off
Ms. Tuell used ideas from Pinterest as a springboard for inventing her own interactive board that communicates learning targets, assignments, and standards.
Google Drive and Fluboroo
Mr. Patrick is not only talented in the music department, but is also embracing continuing education and technology. He attended Appy Hour where he learned how to create an assessment for his students using Google Forms and the Fluboroo add-on for ease of grading.
Florence Middle School, Florence City Schools
Email: jaedwards@florencek12.org
Website: http://www.florencek12.org/FMS/index.html
Location: 648 North Cherry Street, Florence, AL, United States
Phone: 256-768-3100
Twitter: @jillae0823