ALL HANDS ON DECK
HS STAFF NEWS | January 13, 2020
Our Collective Commitment Corner
Welcome Back from Holiday Break, Pirate Team!
Work with the growth mindset versus the fixed mindset has captured the attention of educators across the globe...and for good reason! What neuroscience proves is what Carol Dweck and her “Power of Yet” have been teaching us for quite some time now, that growing into our potential focuses on our process as we embrace perseverance, strategy, and progress.
My latest education read is math expert Jo Boaler’s Limitless Mind. Not only does her work directly build on that of Dweck, it extends what we have previously learned about the growth mindset to new findings in neuroscience and to timely and relevant educational practices. At the root of the text is the fact that students who achieve at the highest levels do not do so because of their genetics. The myth that our brains are fixed and that we simply don't have the aptitude for certain topics is not only scientifically inaccurate; it is omnipresent and negatively impacts education and many other events in our everyday lives. When we let go of the idea that our brains are fixed, stop believing that our genetics determine our lives' pathways, and learn that our brains are incredibly adaptable, it is liberating. This is the gift of brain plasticity, and this is reason to celebrate the growth mindset. Here’s a glimpse of how the book begins for reader: Chapter 1 – How Neuroplasticity Changes… Everything LEARNING KEY #1 – Every time we learn, our brains form, strengthen, or connect neural pathways. We need to replace the idea that learning ability is fixed, with the recognition that we are all on a growth journey. Researchers now know that when we learn something, we grow the brain in three ways. The first is that a new pathway is formed. Initially the pathway is delicate and fine, but the more deeply you learn an idea, the stronger the pathway becomes. The second is that a pathway that is already there is strengthened, and the third is that a connection is formed between two previously unconnected pathways. We are not born with these pathways; they develop as we learn— and the more we struggle, the better the learning and brain growth. This is why it is so important to allow our students to grapple with concepts, often first. One final connection to Dweck and Boaler and to the growth mindset is the work of Peter Johnston. Bridging students to the growth mindset takes more than just… S: I’m not good at writing thesis statements. T: You’re not good at writing thesis statements...yet. What it takes is consciously avoiding praising intelligence; what it takes is intentionally praising process. Praising intelligence makes students vulnerable. They begin to fear imperfections. Risk-taking becomes stifled, and the growth mindset might ultimately become crushed. I’ll close with a recent example. Over the holiday break, I enjoyed reading a short story written by one of our middle school students. At first, my comment out in docs was “You are a talented writer!” but I found myself deleting those words, correcting myself for praising intelligence and talent rather than effort. It took some thought, but what I landed on was “Please keep up your writing. Your hard work pays off as gifts to all of your readers.” Check out these recommended texts in our professional library. Happy reading!
Staff Surveys
Please remember to complete the appropriate Staff Survey.
The District is conducting its annual staff survey to gather feedback on strengths of the district as well as areas to consider for growth. Your input is important and will be considered when making future decisions. Please complete the survey by clicking on the appropriate link below. The survey should take approximately fifteen minutes or less to complete.
The deadline to complete is Friday, January 17, 2020.
Thank you in advance for your feedback!
School Board Appreciation Week - February 9-15
We will be setting up classroom visits soon, but if your club/organization would like to make a welcome sign or be part of the welcome committee - please let Suzanne know right away.
Bingo Night
Please join Hillcrest Platte County, Platte Valley Bank / Central Bank of the Midwest, & PCHS FBLA for a Community Bingo Night on Wednesday, February 19 from 6 PM - 8 PM at Platte County High School (Paxton).
We have GREAT Bingo Prizes (see prizes listed below....we are still collecting items too).
The cost is $5 per individual and $10 per family. Donate a "new pillow" and receive a free extra card. All proceeds benefit Hillcrest Platte County.
Feel free to share this information and the flyer attached with family and friends, businesses, organizations, etc. Thank you for your support!
BINGO PRIZES
Casey's Pizza (4 Coupons for a Free Large Single Topping Pizza)
1 Month Free Membership to the YMCA - Platte City
2 Royals Tickets
4 Vouchers for Golf at Shiloh Springs
5 PCSD Coffee Mugs
5 PC Education Foundation Major Saver Cards
2 PCSD Fleece Blankets
$25 Gift Card to Olive Garden
$50 Gift Card to Olive Garden
$25 Gift Certificate to Oriental Trading
Winter Play - Feb. 5-7
What's New With the Crew
Latest PCTV News Broadcast
We all see/experience kindness every day - tell us about it and give them a shout out!
Staff Birthdays - January
Safe Schools
If a child reports BULLYING to you, as outlined in the safe school training, please use the following link to report the issue:
https://plattecounty-mo.safeschoolsalert.com/
USE THE REPORT VIA WEB button to fill out the information to be investigated.
January 15:
- Professional Learning Communities, 2-hour early release
January 16:
- JOSTENS: Class Ring Delivery/Commitment to Graduate Presentation, 8:30 AM
January 20:
- No School, Martin Luther King Day
January 21:
- Improvement Team Meetings
- GIRLS BB, Home
January 23:
- Improvement Team Meetings
- SWIM; GIRLS BB, Home
January 24:
- JOSTENS: Class Ring Delivery, 7 AM, Main Lobby
January 24 & 25:
- WRESTLING PC Invite
January 25
- DANCE TEAM @ Lee's Summitt North
February 3-7:
- Courtwarming Spirit Week
February 5-7:
- Winter Play, 7 PM $7.00
February 10-13:
- School Board Appreciation Week
- Pirates ROCK Character Warms the Heart Week
February 14:
- No School, District Inservice
February 17:
- No School, Presidents' Day
February 26:
- Professional Learning Communities, 2-hour early release; Spring Parent/Teacher Conferences
February 28:
- Athletic Singing and Hall of Fame Ceremony, 6 PM, Wilson theatre
Thank you to our Pirates ROCK Star business partners!
Platte County High School
- Dr. Chad Sayre, Principal
- Shari Waters, Assistant Principal
- Matt Messick, Assistant Principal
- Dr. Stephanie Theis, Assistant Principal
- Phil Dorman, Activities Director
Email: sayrec@platteco.k12.mo.us
Website: www.plattecountyschooldistrict.com/plattecountyhs
Location: 1501 Branch St, Platte City, MO, United States
Phone: 816-858-2822
Facebook: facebook.com/PCR3HS
Twitter: @PCHSHalls