E-Learning Conference: Buddy Berry - "School on Fire"
First of all, I want Perry Central Jr./Sr. High School to be a school on FIRE! Anyone else? I was so inspired by his presentation and ideas on how to increase student engagement and inspire students to work hard and be prepared for the 21st Century! We will be taking a team to Eminence High School in July and I cannot wait! Below are a few things that stuck in my mind:
* "See a Problem, Fix a Problem" - Dr. Berry said that in his school they encourage adults and students to be creative thinkers and find solutions to their problems! Blue Lobster ideas are creative ways to fix problems and they celebrate creative thinking. Encouraging our students to be problem solvers utilizing creativity and innovation will only help launch them into a successful future!
* Make it Meaningful - Dr. Berry encourages 5 meaningful moments in a year. This could be a passion based learning opportunity, project based learning, community service, etc. This reminded me of the Industry Challenges that we are working on integrating in our CTE classes. Providing students with the opportunity to think critically in a team setting and present that back to an authentic audience helps all students be successful at much needed professional skills.Many of you have been in conversations where we have talked about Ron Clark. I believe Dr. Berry's ideas are in line with Ron Clark's theories. I look forward to moving in this direction with you!
Jim Sporleder Training
The Perry County United Way brought Jim Sporleder to Perry County for a Community event last week. Mr. Sporleder is a former principal and author of the book Trauma Informed Schools. His presentation was wonderful as it helped validate strategies we have already implemented, but also helped us find a balance between trauma informed care and consequences. (I think we have all been grappling with this.) Our admin team met, after listening to Mr. Sporleder, to discuss the best way to move forward at Perry Central. I can't wait to share with you some of our thoughts in the near future! Here are a few quotes from Mr. Sporleder that stuck with me. I hope you enjoy them:
* A caring adult relationship creates the trust, safety and resilience that can launch our students forward.
* We think kids should know better when they make mistakes, but when they live in toxic environments they really do not know - so we must teach them!
* It is important to set boundaries and consequences when students mess up - but here are some important mindsets to remember:
- When you hold them accountable by punishing, you are trying to get them to do something out of fear. It creates a You against Me situation.
- When you use discipline strategies (instead of punishing strategies) you are saying that you are going to coach them/ you are going to walk with them through the fire and help them. This creates a Me with You situation.
* Student's healing starts when their voices are heard/ feelings are validated.
If you are interested in looking at his book, please let me know! We also plan to revamp our ISS room and how it is utilized. More on this in the future as well!
Summer Updates:
Innovative Spaces: We will be moving Bo Gibson to the FLEX room to teach his classes. ISS will be moved to the extra Day Care space and FLEX will move to Adam Stowe's room, who will move into Bo's room! (Did you get all of that! ;-)) We will be utilizing Bo's new room and the ISS room to create an innovative space for students to utilize the 3D printers, vinyl cutter, t-shirt maker, robotics stations and more! We are excited about this move!
Nurse's Office: Ms. Susan will be moving to the old elementary teacher's lounge in the elementary. This is going to provide her more space and access to younger students and showers for students to use. The current nurses office will be our new teacher's lounge/meeting room!
Commodore Manufacturing: Mr. Craney has 30 students that are working extremely hard in summer Commodore Manufacturing! They are producing product much faster than anticipated! When you ask students about their experiences, they look at you with a smile and tell you how fun it is! Even though they are leaving hot and dirty, their hearts are very happy! Thanks to Josh for leading this effort.
3D Printing Training - CTE teachers involved in the 3D Printing project, Justin will be here on the 12th to offer a one day training. We will plan to meet from 8:00 - 2:00 that day. I will provide lunch!
Problem-Based Learning Training - Through a CTE Grant, we will be hosting the Buck Institute July 22, 23, & 24 at Perry Central. We would LOVE to have anyone interested to sign up to attend. The first 22 people that register will for sure earn $200 for attending. As we move into Industry Challenges and more conceptual learning across curricular areas, this type of training will prove to be valuable. Please know we would love any and all to attend! This training is also opened to other schools in the area, so bring your friends!
New Cell Number - Just a reminder, I have a new cell phone number. 812-719-1937 I will be in and out all summer, so please feel free to contact me via cell phone if you have questions.
Upcoming Dates:
English Curriculum Meeting - Wednesday, July 19th at 9:30 a.m. High School Library
Back To School Retreat - July 31, August 1st
Back to School Night - August 1st 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
7th Grade Orientation - July 31st 5:30 p.m. meal/Program at 6:00 p.m.
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