Mustang Message
October 24, 2016
A Principal's Perspective
Believe it or not the pumpkins in the library got me to thinking about the difference between innovation and creativity. On the surface it is easy to understand the definition of innovation that we studied in August by George Couros, "a way of thinking that creates something new and better." But applying the definition is not so easy. The library pumpkin challenge is a great example. The pumpkin challenge provided a highly engaging opportunity for students to be creative. Creativity requires fluency, flexibility, originality, and elaboration. Students were very successful in meeting the pumpkin challenge as evident by the many creative pumpkins exhibited in the library. But for the student that took the assignment, probably unknowingly, to the next level of innovation, what made her project innovative? I have thought about the 8 characteristic of the innovator's mindset (see below) when thinking about this student's project. The student did not have a pumpkin. which began the process of thinking differently. The student took something that she had at home, paper, and transformed it by stuffing, shaping, and drawing a Dumbo to create her pumpkin. In thinking about the 8 characteristics, I would argue that she indeed was an innovator which did require her to be creative. On page 26 of the Innovative Mindset, the last sentence states, "Designing solutions with both the individuals' interests and the end goal in mind is crucial for any innovation to be successful." This student's pumpkin challenge with paper and an innovative mindset is a great example for us to consider as we think about the opportunities that we provide our students to be creative, yes, but to also have opportunities to be innovative.
Be Innovative - Design the possibilities!
Donna
Creative Pumpkins!
Innovative Pumpkin?
Morning Duties of the Week
Morning Assembly (7:20): Williams
Gym (7:20): Seagraves
Cafeteria (7:20): J. Parker
Bus (7:15 - Buses/ Cafeteria after all buses arrive): Bartosh
Parent Drop Off Direct Traffic (7:20-7:50): Lutz
Parent Drop Off Car Doors (7:20-7:50): S. Anderson & Sullivan
Counselor Schedule: Kinder, PPCD, PreK & Life Skills
Librarian: at PC
Week at a Glance
Monday: Report card grades due by 8:00 a.m.; Start of 2nd 9 weeks; Queen of Katwe GT Discussion 3:30-4:00 Library
Tuesday: Queen of Katwe GT Discussion 7:15-7:45 Library; GP Tech Training 3:30-4:30 See below for details
Wednesday: 3rd Grade Musical 8:30 ( 4th & K) & 2:00 (1st & 2nd); Tech & Support Office Hours 3:15-4:15; Michel Piscacek's Baby Shower 3:30 in library
Thursday: Make-Up SIT Meetings; Awards Assembly: K - 8:30, 1st-9:00, 4th-9:30, 2nd-1:15, & 3rd-2:00; BRAVE 3:15-4:15
Friday: Kinder Fall Festival 8:15-10:15; Fire Prevention During CAMP Time; PTO providing lunch! Taco Bar - Ole!
News & Notes
- GP Social Dues: Dues are $25 for full-time staff, $12.50 for part-time staff and $15 for paraprofessionals. Please pay your grade level Social Rep. by Monday, October 31st. Please see below for guidelines that guide our activities and gifts.
- School Shirt: Want a school shirt that is a v-neck or long sleeve? PTO is taking orders until October 21st. To order go to: https://gpemerchandise2016.itemorder.com/
All About the Social Committee
Mustang Yee Haws!
- Cool weather! Aggie Football! Yee Haw! When Aggies beat Alabama on Saturday, wear your JEANS and Aggie maroon on Monday!