Tiger Tidbits
Posts from the Principal
February? !
It's February! Tuesday, January 27th was the 100th day of school! We're already discussing preparations for the state assessment, and believe it or not, we are already working on plans for next school year. This year is just passing by. I try to reflect as much as possible about what is working, what is not, what I would like to change, what needs to change, what is within my power to change, and where I see New Haven in the next few years. Talking with the parents and teachers is an integral part of my decision making, but my most important advisers are the kids. They know and understand FAR more than we give them credit for, and 95% of the time they are willing to tell me their honest opinion (no sugar coating).
I tell you all of this because I really want you to begin your own reflecting on this school year, and suggestions for New Haven growth. I'll be sending out a parent survey in the spring with several questions that will help me get an informed perspective of what we continue to need to tackle. I don't JUST want your feedback though, I really would like you to answer the questions as a family. So as we continue down this fast paced path, start reflecting on New Haven and the areas that you love, areas that may need some "tweaking", and how you can be apart of that change with us.
I tell you all of this because I really want you to begin your own reflecting on this school year, and suggestions for New Haven growth. I'll be sending out a parent survey in the spring with several questions that will help me get an informed perspective of what we continue to need to tackle. I don't JUST want your feedback though, I really would like you to answer the questions as a family. So as we continue down this fast paced path, start reflecting on New Haven and the areas that you love, areas that may need some "tweaking", and how you can be apart of that change with us.
Focusing in...
In January, the leadership team and all grade level teams sat down and analyzed every single student's growth from FALL to WINTER on the STAR assessment. Now, keep in mind that this is 1 universal screener that we use as a district to measure student growth and achievement. It does not define the progress of students in all areas, nor is it the "be all", but it does give us a data point to discuss and make decisions with. We looked at both reading and math growth. Overall, we are doing a wonderful job growing our students. When meeting with the teachers we looked at 2 areas for each student, 1) Student Growth Percentile (how much they grew in content understanding from their Fall test to their Winter test). Average GROWTH is 40%, and 2) Percentile Ranking (where they compare academically to students their age/grade nationally). We want to see each student at the 67%ile ranking or higher by the SPRING benchmark. Our teams have had specific and insightful discussions on the teaching and learning process. As a school and as grade levels we are drilling down and discussing what is working instructionally, what areas do we need growth in professionally, what programs are working, and what are our next steps. This process is allowing us all to see and gauge student growth as it is happening, make adjustments immediately, and determining what we, as educators, need to provide the best learning environment for our students. Overall, I am pleased with our growth in both reading and math. We are at an overall SGP of 70% in reading and 55% in math as of the winter benchmark. It is my expectation that we will exceed district benchmark goals by the spring as an overall school.
Support at home...
I've included some links below of ideas of to work with your children at home. As a teacher, I always had parents that wanted to work with their children, but just didn't know how to or even where to start. I wanted to be able to give you some suggestions.
I've also included a site for advanced or gifted learners. As a school we are balancing our conversations about at-risk and gifted learners; realizing the need to emphasize both ends of the spectrum and all in between. :)
Support at home...
I've included some links below of ideas of to work with your children at home. As a teacher, I always had parents that wanted to work with their children, but just didn't know how to or even where to start. I wanted to be able to give you some suggestions.
I've also included a site for advanced or gifted learners. As a school we are balancing our conversations about at-risk and gifted learners; realizing the need to emphasize both ends of the spectrum and all in between. :)
Full STEAM ahead... Career Inspirations
We are looking for parents, guardians, grandparents, or anyone that is willing to come in and share their career choices with students at our "Full STEAM Ahead" night, March 23rd. This evening is dedicated to a focus on S.T.E.A.M. integration. What is S.T.E.A.M? It is Science & Technology interpreted through Engineering & the Arts, all based in Mathematical elements.It's also how we integrate 21st century skills into learning to make our students more globally competitive. I've included an article about the how STEM became STEAM for those that wanted more information.
We are looking for presenters that are willing to come in that evening and share their career fields (no more than a 15 minute discussion) with students.
What do we want you to highlight?
1) What did you have to do to become ______? = (schooling, job training etc. )
2) What do you do in this field?
3) How do you use science, technology, arts, etc. in your job?
4) Why is this job important to our community?
5) Allow for some kid questions.
You can be as creative as you would like. We are hoping to get a good variety of speakers so we can inspire new careers!
Please let me know if you are interested!
mary.goble@boone.kyschools.us
We are looking for presenters that are willing to come in that evening and share their career fields (no more than a 15 minute discussion) with students.
What do we want you to highlight?
1) What did you have to do to become ______? = (schooling, job training etc. )
2) What do you do in this field?
3) How do you use science, technology, arts, etc. in your job?
4) Why is this job important to our community?
5) Allow for some kid questions.
You can be as creative as you would like. We are hoping to get a good variety of speakers so we can inspire new careers!
Please let me know if you are interested!
mary.goble@boone.kyschools.us
Community News and increased measures
I'm sure by now everyone knows that the person responsible for many of the recent break-ins, including the smash and grabs at New Haven has been arrested. I've had several questions regarding the safety plan and security we have. I do want you to know that the Boone County Sherif's department has increased patrolling, but I've also found out that we will be getting more cameras around campus as well. Security has been one of the top 5 conversations that I've had with parents since becoming principal. As a parent, I completely understand the peace of mind needed. I wanted to let you know that we have recently had a safety audit, and had an excellent review. We worked with Boone County Emergency Management members, police, fire, and district personnel. We do have a very detailed Emergency Plan in place. I have had to explain to several parents that we cannot share this with you. It is not a public plan, for obvious reasons. Safety is something that we do take very seriously, and we will continue to implement changes and suggestions made by the audit team. Some of these changes may inconvenience some, and even frustrate you. I will just apologize up front for processes taking a little longer, and more questions being asked, however, I won't apologize for the fact that keeping every child safe (even if we do know who you are and why you are at school) is our top priority. Please keep that in mind, and know that most often those asking questions or checking you in are not the ones who have made the changes, but are the ones who have to follow protocol.
Event Information
Winter Carnival
The date has CHANGED! Mark your calendars! With the District Governor's Cup being assigned to the school, the Winter Carnival date had to be moved! PLEASE mark your calendars and plan on coming out for some winter fun and shenanigans with us!
When?
Friday, Feb 20, 2015, 05:30 PM
Where?
New Haven Elementary School, U.S. 42, Union, KY, United States
Event Information
District Governor's Cup
Yes... we are hosting again! We tried to play the "new principal card" but they weren't having it. We were assigned as the host school and there is no getting out of it. That being said... We will embrace it in the New Haven Way! Looks like we are going to have a "STAR WARS" theme!
When?
Saturday, Feb 28, 2015, 07:30 AM
Where?
New Haven Elementary School, U.S. 42, Union, KY, United States
Want to know what's going on? Check out the calendar link below!
New Haven Elementray
Email: mary.goble@boone.kyschools.us
Website: www.newhaven.boone.kyschools.us
Location: 10854 U.S. 42, Union, KY, United States
Phone: 859 384 5325
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newhavenelementary
Twitter: @NewHavenES