Bridges Area Learning Center
Weekly Reflections
Dear Team,
Welcome to JUMP DAY! This redesigned day addresses both of Dufour's questions. And, it is a great example of the power of professional collaboration AND the Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) improvement cycle. Our team assessed the current reality of our intervention day identifying gaps in its effectiveness. Once done we address the root cause of these gaps and developed a theory for improvement (PLAN). We designed and implemented the improvement plan that included collaboration from both our BILT and learning team (DO). We now are studying the results of our actions (STUDY). Based on this assessment we will make this a standard process or change direction and start the cycle over (ACT).
Initial and informal observations are all indicating GREAT success - to the point where these intervention days have seemingly changed the culture in the building. For example, students are issued a ticket requiring them to attend these days or a pass if the team assesses that their academic and social/emotional learning are in good shape. When issuing the passes dozens of students are working with me to get one if they it was determined not to issue a pass. I send them back to their teachers and staff to complete the work/learning necessary which they often do!! This dynamic has been POWERFUL and has been consistent this year. One noticeable result - our behavioral referrals, behavioral contracts and suspension have been WAY down this year (more on that later!).
I do not think it is a coincidence. Just another example of the good work that can be done by a highly effective learning team.
#WeArePLSAS
#bridges1617
Warm Regards,
Dave
Week at a Glance:
- BSAT @ 730am
Tuesday:
- Mr. Brown @ District admin meeting @ DSC - am
- National Guard visit @ Lunch
Wednesday:
- Teacher observation 5th period
- Teacher observation 6th period
Thursday:
- Mr. Brown out - Military duty
- STRIVE
Friday
- Mr. Brown out - military duty
Teacher's Corner: Chris Nelson, Art & Phy Ed
Recently, I was telling a class of mine how during my lifetime I have had many jobs. I went on to say that if I had to pick a favorite it would most definitely be my job teaching art at Bridges and I went into a bit of detail with them as to why. Later that conversation caused me to reflect more on why this job really is my favorite.
I love that at Bridges I get to know the students much more closely than I would in a traditional school setting - it is a gift to have the type of classroom atmosphere where that is possible. In many ways we become our own kind of family. I have never experienced a school where teacher/student relationships are stronger.
I am extremely thankful that I am allowed the freedom to decide what is best for my students in terms of curriculum. I have the ability to differentiate my lessons so that my students who cannot get enough art are as creatively stimulated as those who claim to have never passed an art class in their entire high school careers. The ability for me to make those choices becomes a necessity for their success.
I have never worked with a staff as truly outstanding as the staff here at Bridges. There is basically no problem that this staff cannot solve when we put our diverse minds together. In addition, we are supported in such an effective way, and it just fills me with gratitude. It is an honor to be a part of the staff at Bridges.
When my alarm goes off much too early each morning, I find comfort knowing that I will be heading off to a rewarding career. Bridges is a unique school and I am proud to be a part of it.