The Reds Tale
September 29, 2016
Newark High School
Email: thomas.roote@newarkcsd.org
Website: http://newarkcsd.org/Domain/84
Location: 625 Peirson Avenue, Newark, NY, United States
Phone: 315-332-3240
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nhsreds
Twitter: @Newark_HS
From the Desk of Mr. Roote
After digesting an e-mail from his teacher regarding the incident, Allyson and I strategically scheduled some time to address the situation with Jack. Since he seems to be a pretty literate kid we gave him the e-mail from the school and asked him to read it and then tell us what he thought. Some emotion welled up from within, but he bit his lip and admitted, "I knew you were going to find out" followed up with some "other kid" stuff. We did some good parenting and discussed openness, the Roote family values, and the Brooks Hill values. Allyson looked reassured and happy, Jack seemed ready to move on. Not so much for Dad. I strategically added to the conversation the following: "Jack, how will you SHOW us you understand what being safe and respectful looks like?" It was at this point that the hard work began.
After a half hour or so Jack composed himself to the point he could communicate. Admittedly, I had hoped that the ending to this would be Jack developing some signage for the playground that promoted safe habits on the slide like, "Always go down the slide" etc. We didn't quite get there, but I am proud to say that him showing us that he knows the school values seemed to get us to a better place than him just telling us he knew them.
Please remember to cite our students when they show you they know our school values:
The Script N Student and Staff Recognition program is our time-tested venue for promoting social competence (part of our Plan for Excellence). Please use it! Our citation rate is very low this year, yet our building seems to be flourishing compared to past Septembers. I recently gave a citation to SB who reported a sexting violation. After an investigation of her report we are reducing and hopefully stopping the exploitation of an NHS student. SB may not know it, but she may have completely reversed the negative trajectory of dozens of kids in the building.“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”-Benjamin Franklin
Reds Threads
Reds Threads is a student inspired free clothing closet located in the high school, just outside the counseling office. We are always looking for gently used clothing, footwear, boots, coats, accessories, sprays and lotions. As you are cleaning out your closets going into fall or your older kids closets please consider a donation to Reds Threads. Donations can be dropped off at the front desk of the high school. And as always thank you so much for supporting this great cause.
From the Desk of Mr. Wagner
I am interested in creative and unique strategies to reduce disruptive behaviors in class, but I am always brought back to the basics. In Reducing Student-Behavior Problems: Notes from a High School Teacher by Paul Barnwell, he writes about four main ideas that I would characterize as essential for a caring and effective learning environment.
Be Friendly, but not a Friend….To me this is most important. Developing positive relationships with students will absolutely reduce behaviors and increase achievement. Simple things such as greeting students at the door by their name, laughing with them in class and asking them about their lives can make all the difference.
Engagement as Prevention….We’ve all taught lessons that have captivated and motivated students. On the other hand, I’m sure we have created a lesson that did not engage students and was therefore difficult to get through. Though it is challenging to create highly engaging lessons every day for an entire school year, focusing on student interaction and movement in every lesson is doable and will promote engagement.
Creating the Right Conditions….Developing effective procedures and routines and creating classroom norms that the students help develop will maximize instructional time. If students know what to expect and buy-in, they will be less likely to disrupt.
Developing Empathy….This can be challenging as well, but crucial to student success. I think we have an idea what some of our at-risk students are coming to school with, but we don’t really know; we haven’t experienced it. When students push our buttons and interrupt instruction, it is difficult to maintain our composure and refocus on the why. Why are they acting out?
I’m aware that we know this, but as I get caught up in the daily grind, I like to refocus myself. It is early in the year and some undesirable behaviors are just beginning, so I encourage you to carry these four main ideas throughout the year and refocus yourself when needed.
Mash Up
Growing up in Bath and living a bit of a homesteader lifestyle (my family raised livestock) I learned to love the home cookin' potluck concept. Is their interest in sampling one another's specialties with an informal potluck lunch on October 7? Click link to let me know of your interest:
Thanks!
Tuesday, October 4 Staff Meeting Agenda: At this point the bulk of the time will be spent discussing our Tenet 3 goal. To kick-start that work please get a copy of your mid-term or similar assessment to the admin. that supports your department by close out on Tuesday. If the assessment does not exist, just let us know. Also on the agenda is members of our Student Advisory Cabinet (SAC) and School Community Advisory Cabinet (SCAC) with an update on their plans for the year. We will open or close with a Script N citation activity.
Ms. Soneville, "Quick update, the SmartBoards were FINALLY shipped to BOCES on 9/21. We are waiting until we hear from Teq for a finalized install date. Should be very soon!"
Let me know if you are not getting my After Hours Learning Center scheduling messages. These only go to the team working the center. Thanks.
Pep assembly schedule below...
Social Emotional Learning and the Plan for Excellence
Don't forget to complete your departmental skit by the end of the month. I worked with Robyn, Ryan and Chris and I got an earful of Hillary and Donald (just a preview)!
From Mr. Wagner, "The Freshmen Team has developed a skill building/unity activity for the entire freshmen class, which will take place Friday, 11th period (prior to the pep assembly). We plan to take the class outside to the football field pending weather conditions. If you have a freshmen class 11th period, please plan on escorting them outside and helping to facilitate the activity (student management/assistance - nothing anyone needs to prepare for). If you have mixed grade levels, please plan on not having freshmen students 11th period. I will announce this dismissal over the PA."
Mr. Wagner and I have reinforced several conversations from our start of the year student presentations. Unlike past years, it is nice to have a common main office language on things like sexting.
I have an opportunity to bring an initiative called Raising Student Voice and Participation (RSVP) to NHS. I hope to meet with Ms. Terry D'Imperio (NYS Council on Leadership and Student Activities secretary) to discuss an implementation plan.
Calendar Share
Monday, September 26 to Friday, September 30. Homecoming Week. Contact: J Cruz or BJ Ross
Friday, September 30 from 1:25-2:30 pm in the gymnasium. Pep Assembly. Contact: BJ Ross or J Cruz
Tuesday, October 4 at 2:30 pm in the LGI. Staff Meeting. Contact: T Roote.
Thursday, October 6 at TBD. Evacuation Drill. Contact: R Wagner
College Wear
Friday, October 7 from 7:30-3:00 pm. Conference Day. Contact: T Roote.
Thursday, October 13 from 5:30-7:40 pm. Open House: A Celebration of Teaching and Learning. Contact: T Roote.
By 3:00 pm October 26, December 1, January 10, February 14, March 22 and May 2. ↓65 Infinite Campus Grade Reports. Contact: T Roote.
Student Advisory Cabinet (SAC)
SAC member Alex Ventura
SAC activity Fast Fingers with Bailey and Emma
The Newark High School Mission, Vision and Values
The Newark High School Mission: We are a school community with deeply held hometown pride, committed to readying young people to be life-long learners with experiences aimed at continuously motivating us to hone our skills in the complex tasks of teaching and learning. Our community is devoted to providing supports for the aspirations of our adolescents as they mature into adults with ambitious plans for college and careers.
The Newark High School Vision: Staff embody the school values and impart confidence while providing an inviting classroom environment with clear expectations and specific academic and behavioral goals. Students embody the school values through intellectual and emotional perseverance. Families embody the school values while remaining actively involved as advocates for their children and supporters of the school programs and staff.
The Newark High School Values: Safe, Responsible, Trustworthy, and Respectful.
Email: thomas.roote@newarkcsd.org
Website: http://newarkcsd.org/Domain/84
Location: 625 Peirson Avenue, Newark, NY, United States
Phone: 315-332-3240
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nhsreds
Twitter: @Newark_HS