Embrace the Struggle

This past week, we held our first virtual day for professional development.  I must say, it was a great day filled with great conversation, learning and growing.  As we all know, education is changing at a very rapid pace and it is sometimes hard to keep up.  Making changes in the day-to-day pedagogy can be overwhelming and I don't know about you, but when I see all of the great ideas on pinterest, face book, twitter, etc. you just wonder how people have time to do it!?! 

Even though change can be tough, it is important that we do move forward because the world we live in is changing so rapidly. People that seem to do the best in the classroom embrace this struggle and have a growth mindset that allows them to be willing to make small shifts and adjustments to their day.  These teachers are always on the search for new and better ways and are willing to experiment with new practices and are not afraid of failure.  Just as Maria Sweat says, "you have to be willing to jump into a new practice the very next day and not worry if it is going to be a failure or a success!!"

At Perry Central, we are lucky to have classrooms full of individuals who are always willing to jump in!  This year, our math and special education teachers are working on providing math instruction in small groups for greater differentiation and engagement.  Josh Craney and Julie Berkhouse are embarking on a cutting edge program with Commodore Manufacturing, taking project-based learning to a new and innovative level!  Our 8th grade science teachers are partnering with the agriculture department to develop curriculum that is cutting edge.  These are only a few examples of the work that is going on in our building.

When we focus on the small, doable parts instead of the big overwhelming end, great things can happen!  We are so fortunate to have a building full of individuals who are always willing to grow and change!


School Notes: 

* Parent-Teacher Conferences: September 19th from 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. (Students will be released at 1:00 p.m.)   We will be providing you with Subway for  supper.   Please look over your class list and try to reach out to 8-10 families that you would love to meet and invite them to schedule a time with you.  This practice has worked well in the past.   Also, when you have down time during the evening, it is a wonderful time to send positive emails to parents about students.  When you can talk to parents about positive experiences, you are building a very deep relationship - even by just letting them know you enjoy having them in class.  We will be sending out an email to parents from the building encouraging all parents to schedule times soon.  I will keep you posted.

* Wednesday, September 13 is our first after school PLC meeting from 3:00 - 4:00 in the high school library.  Please make sure you have given your 4.5 week assessments and if you have them graded, it will help you move along faster. We will be spending the hour looking at data and creating a plan for students as a team.  You will want to bring your tests, data, computer and a smile!  We will have food!  :-)

* Family Fun Night- September 22nd at Mulzer's Camp! Bring a covered dish, drinks and your family!  It is a great evening to kick back and enjoy each other's company!

* SLO Due Date - Remember your SLOs are due Friday, October 20th  If you need help with this process, please see Jody or Phil.

Important Dates: 

Monday, September 11th - School Board Meeting  6:30 p.m. High School Library

Tuesday, September 12th - Varsity Volleyball @ home vs. Paoli 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, September 13th - After school PLC meeting  3:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Thursday, September 14th - Varsity Volleyball @ home vs. West Washington  6:00 p.m.

Friday, September 15th - Varsity Football @ Tecumseh  6:00 p.m.

Saturday, September 16th - Varsity Cross Country @ Crawford County 9:00 a.m.

September 19 - Parent Teacher Conferences
September 22nd - Family Fun Night, Mulzer's Camp
October 9-13 - Fall Break
October 20  - SLO's Due