Collegiate Academy Heartbeat
Sunday, September 8, 2019
From the Heart
Team,
As we discussed on Friday, let's make sure we are moving into the D quadrant every class period. Plan every lesson with the D quadrant in mind. I uploaded the Rigor and Relevance Framework to this newsletter and to our PLC folder. Here is a quick example of what I am talking about:
Every lesson, everyday!
Learn
Analyze
Create
Example of
Student's journey to the D quadrant
1. Learn facts about topic.
2. Discuss facts, evidence, opinions with peers or read what others think.
3. Write/create/design what they think and why.
Quick hits every day, every lesson and our students will be able to solve any problem you give them. Do not get bogged down in understand and remember. Students have to work with knowledge to be able to create. Here is where differentiation comes in... New teachers, please meet with Lauren or your mentor for more information about Rigor and Relevance Framework.
I am thrilled with what is happening in our classrooms! Let's do this team!!
Reminders
1. DO NOT dismiss 5th period until 4:20 pm. 5th period works, if you work...have a plan! Make learning fun!
2. Friday we will meet in the Theater at 9:30am for our Medal of Honor Recipients Assembly. Please bring your first period class to the Theater and have them in their seats before 9:30am.
Here is our recipient's bio. Sammy Davis
Please share with students before you bring them over.
3. Pictures on Friday, September 13. Follow the schedule Mark sent out.
The Don't forgets
Be at your door, ready to greet your students!
Meet with your seniors that you are coaching into their next step!
The courage to love unconditionally breaks all barriers. Let's ALL continue to be courageous this week!
#PhoenixFierce
Together we will make a difference!
Bobbe
Matthew's Thought for the Week
I want to know asap if you have students who are behaving in ways that are counterproductive to the learning environment. We have a strong, positive campus culture, but that doesn't mean we don't have some outliers in the mix.
I believe the best way to change negative behavior is through frequency and hope. One positive talk following one negative episode does not create meaningful change, but five positive talks following one negative episode does.
For the students who are on my radar, they are generally surprised to find out that we will be meeting weekly after that first corrective talk. What happens in those follow-up meetings is what makes the difference, and it's not rocket science.
In these meetings, I take an interest in their grades and their attendance. I listen to their stories, and we talk about what's between them and success. We talk about habits. And most importantly, I share a vision with them of what I see them becoming at Collegiate Academy. And I don't hold back or hedge my bets; I paint big. "Let me tell you what I see you doing and becoming..." It's a little weird at first, but it's one of my favorite things to do.
And it reminds me of what the author Amy Tan once wrote about her early life. "When I was fourteen, and my father and brother were dying of cancer, when the doctors said nothing could be done, my mother warned me not to listen to people who had no hope for others."
Cav's Cathexis (It's a word I promise...)
I know you guys are already doing it, but building a kid up can have really positive benefits. It's like the starfish story that Kristinia told. We won't be able to solve the negativity problem in the world, but we can certainly make it more positive for one kid at a time. Hold a kid after class and tell them you're proud of them. Compliment a kid's shoes. Share the fact that you're interested in one of their interests. It goes a long way!
Lauren's Learnings
As you're creating lesson plans, I challenge you to reach out to your colleagues for feedback. Each of us are solo in our content, but that doesn't mean we work alone. So many times, I've reached out to Robin for advice with Freshman Pathways, Mark & Kristinia with CERs (claim, evidence, reasoning), Lynlie when I needed feedback in Physics and classroom management.
Remember, when you're reaching out for ideas, be specific. If you need advice for differentiation, show your lesson plans to a colleague, explain what you will be doing that week, and then ask for feedback in that specific area. This is a profession that you can wake up each morning and say, "How can I be better?" Our teacher work space is such an opportunity for building each other up. Let's use it to grow, and kids will too!
Upcoming Events
Sept 13 - VALOR Medalist Assembly in the Theater 2nd period
Sept 13 - School Pictures
Sept 20 - Kickin' it with Kickball (details on class time that day coming soon, but all 4 classes will meet)
Sept 20 - Homecoming
Sept 23 - GCLI
Sept. 23 - Five Year Anniversary and Open House
Sept 24 - NHS Induction