Sipley School Weekly Howl
Week of Monday, October 3, 2016
20 Signs You are Actually Making a Difference as a Teacher
As I read the signs below, I think of so many pieces of evidence that show signs that "You Make a Difference." Every person on our staff is working hard and doing the things that really matter for our students. This is one of the many contributing factors to the feeling that is filling our school and a contributing factor of student behaviors that are quickly turning into habits.
1. Your students are asking questions, not just giving answers.
2. You have used your authoritative role for inspiration, not intimidation.
3. You have listened as often as you have lectured. Another lesson in authority. Your students have respected your thoughts and ideas by attending your class; the least you can do is respect theirs. Lending an ear is the ultimate form of empowerment.
4. Your shy students start participating more often without being prompted.
5. A student you’ve encouraged creates something new with her talents.
6. You’ve been told by a student that, because of something you showed them, they enjoy learning outside of class.
7. You’ve made your students laugh.
8. You’ve tried new things.
9. You’ve improvised. Respect and inspiration result from going out on a limb, whether the limb breaks or not.
10. Your student asks you for a letter of reference.
11. You have taken a personal interest in your students. Your favorite student still may not get into college or achieve his career goals—it’s frustrating, but it happens—however, the chances that he will are infinitely higher simply because you showed an interest.
12. You’ve let your passions show through in your lessons.
13. You’ve made students understand the personal relevance of what they’re learning.
14. You have cared–and shown that you cared. Researchers at the University of Leicester have proven that students assign the most authority to teachers who care about them. If this is true, then you are demonstrating a wonderful principle: that respect comes from kind behavior.
15. You have helped a student choose a career.
16. One of your students becomes an educator.
17. A parent approaches you with kind words.
18. Your students visit you when they don’t have to.
19. You can be a mentor when you need to be.
20. You practice strength and patience.
Synergy and the Flywheel Effect
I hope staff were able to take time to watch the video I shared about the Flywheel Effect. If not, I am inviting you to watch it. I shared it below.
Think of a huge and heavy flywheel for a moment. Everything that we do as a school (or a class) can be considered as force to turn this heavy obstacle. With each push in the same direction, momentum is built. That momentum continues to propel the flywheel, turning at a consistent speed, with less and less force needed as originally applied.
We are off to a tremendous start to our school year. There is a strong desire to learn and grow from our students. Our students are following the school expectations. Our students are speaking to one another in respectful ways and they are showing respect for adults. We are using behavioral moments to learn from and not to penalize or be handled by someone else. Our staff is building mastery of the readers and writers workshop model. We are asking questions about reading and writing that tell me we are coming out of the learning pit and emerging with confidence and contributing skills. Our staff has been quite reflective of their words and actions based on the work of Principal Kafele. We are in a beautiful and fun place and I am proud. Our parents are sharing their happiness through their conversations with individuals.
We need to pause and imagine what school will look like in January, in March, and in May. We will continue on our path if, and only if, we work at it. This includes continuing to make our school an oasis for our students. It includes making sure that we compliment our students individually and collective so they hear great things about the person and people they are. It includes taking the time for classbuilders and teambuilders. It includes making sure your Second Step time is sacred and never lost to something else. It includes celebrating. It includes recognizing our colleagues. It includes being there for our colleagues. It includes being a BAM teacher. It is validated with evidence of Everyone Making a Difference (students, staff, parents).
Keep the momentum going. As we do, learning will take care of itself.
Bus Dismissal
We need to make an adjustment at dismissal. We need to make sure that all bus riders leave the building at 2:55 and immediately board the bus. The bus has to leave earlier. The bus drops students off and then travels to JJHS, which they are arriving late for.
Thanks for your attention to this matter.
Formative Assessment Tip
We do not do activities or tasks for the sake of doing activities or tasks. We have to have purpose in designing work to gather evidence of what kids can and can't do. As you plan an activity, think about how students will show their understanding. Every activity or task has to reveal some sort of evidence of understanding allowing you to plan your next teaching move and ultimately allowing the students to progress forward.
A Glance at the Week Ahead
Monday - Fire Drill with Fire Department - They sometimes take a student or staff member to see how quickly we recognize a missing person. As always, be diligent.
Monday - Certified Staff Monday Meeting
Tuesday - 2nd Year Mentor Meeting
Wednesday - Our Mayor, Superintendent, and I are going to be walking students from Waterbury to Sipley as part of a National Walk to School Day. We will not have a morning meeting.