One Word at a Time

Independently or collaboratively, build a vision. Communicate that vision. Get others on board with your vision. Utilize that vision when making decisions. Reflect on the progress towards your vision. Uphold that which supports your vision. Address that which undermines your vision. Hold all accountable for upholding that vision. Reflect on the progress towards your vision. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ This may have come about through a conversation with my principal this morning, but I believe that it is a very important concept for anyone in any leadership position. If we want collaborative spaces, where all are working towards the same end goal, where growth mindset is rampant, where all voices and ideas are held in the highest esteem, these are some big important steps to take. Do you feel like you know what the "vision" is where you work? Do you feel like everyone is acting in support of the vision?

This morning, a group of teachers gathered to look over student work to compare it against the rubric. They wanted to better understand the rubric in order to use it during instruction, to gather information about their students, and eventually have their students use the rubric themselves. Over the course of the conversation we came across two different pieces of student work, both talking about a character in their books. One student was talking about a character and used language like "he throws tantrums worthy of an academy award" and "he acts like a spoiled five year old." We were blown away by the voice evident in the piece of writing. But when compared against the rubric, for the type of work we were specifically looking for, it ended up falling short of meeting the standard. The next student we looked at spelled words phonetically, like "awial" and "deturmend". Comments were made about the spelling and the handwriting. But, when com...

Today, our school started a "Look for the Good Campaign".  Our assembly this afternoon taught students what it means to be grateful, what they could be grateful for, and a little about how to show that gratitude.  The whole school was decked out in colorful "You Matter" t-shirts - staff included. Here is what students will do over the course of the next two weeks: Step on Gratitude Spots! Gratitude Spots are spread around the school and outside at recess - students step on them and think - or say out loud! - something they are grateful for. Add to the Gratitude Wall! Students write what they are grateful for on a sticky note, and the sticky notes will go on a large Gratitude Wall, located in our school lobby. Let people know "You Matter"! Students look for people who are kind or show kindness to them and pass them a "You Matter" card. When they receive a "You Matter" card, they get to sign the Kindness Wall. Tell people ...