Life Changing Profession

Over break, I had the opportunity to pick up a book that had been sitting on my night stand for months.  The Eric Jensen book, Engaging Students with Poverty in Mind, ended up being a great read (at least for the first few chapters I have engaged in so far.)  As a school with over 40% free and reduce lunches, I was interested in its contents.

The first page in chapter one stated that the engagement gap between low economic students, in both private and public schools alike, are generally blamed on ineffective local, state and federal policies. . . BUT,  evidence of this litany of adverse factors had a few missing pieces.  The honest truth is that over 50% of the academic outcomes of school-age children stem not from public policy but from what the teacher does in the classroom.  The TEACHER mattered more than any other factor in a student's school years. . .  talk about pressure!  Research actually shows that 5 years of adequate yearly progress in student learning could entirely close the gap between the performance of students in poverty and higher-income students.  When we look at helping close this gap, we don't have to look for a miracle anymore - we (the teachers) are the answer. 

As I first reflected on the first page of this book, it was easy to get defensive and start thinking about all of the things that are out of our control when students enter our building. But after taking some time to stew about it, I totally changed my frame of mind; what a privilege it is to work in our profession!  There are no other professions that get to say they can impact the lives of a single student like ours.   Is teaching hard work?  Yes.  It is mentally exhausting at times?  Yes   Is it worth all of the extra hours and intentional planning?  Absolutely! 

Sometimes the field of education gets a negative image in the public's eye.  We cannot allow this to waiver our focus.  Collectively, we are changing lives - there isn't anyone else that gets to say they do that on a daily basis.  I am so grateful I get to do it with all of you! 

Words from a babe - "What Makes a Good Teacher" by Tough, First Grader at Eminence Schools.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1215905432503377920

Important Information:

Reporting Topics - Just a reminder to please update your reporting topics by giving me a list.  If you would like to have a copy of what is currently in the system, I am happy to send them to you!  If you could possibly provide your reporting topics for 3rd and 4th quarters and then make small changes later, that is best practice! 

Virtual/PD Day - Next Monday, January 20th, we will have a teacher Professional Development day from 8:00 - 3:00 and students will work from home (this is a snow make-up day from November) with virtual homework.  Here are some important reminders/schedules:
   
  For Students - * Please make sure to assign all work by Friday - students will have at least  day to complete the work (January 21) to help accommodate students without Internet or help. 
                            * If you can remind students how to download assignments if they do not have
                               Internet at home so they can do their work (If you need help showing students,
                               please let us know.)
                            * Assignments should be about 30 minutes in length.  Uploading videos with your
                               instruction, etc. is a great way to ensure students have the supports they need to be
                               successful on assignments at home.

 For Instructional Assistants - We will have training from 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. on Conscious
                                                    Discipline Strategies/Reminders

   For Teachers: This is a rough agenda - a final agenda will be provided later this week
                                  (lunch will be provided on Monday for teachers) 
                            8:00 - 9:30 a.m. - High School Library/Faculty Meeting
                            9:30 - 2:00 p.m.   PLC/Work time (Agendas for your team will be worked on this
                                                          week and approved)
                            2:00 - 3:00 p.m.   Corporation Panorama Data Training


Book Study - We would like to invite you to be a part of a book study that will be starting soon!  "Engaging Students with Poverty in Mind" by Eric Jensen.   Mr. Jensen digs into engagement as a key factor in the academic success of economically disadvantaged students.  Our book study will meet occasionally during lunch (we will provide Marcy's lunch and other small incentives) for those who are interested in participating.   Looking forward to a GREAT conversation! 

Instructional Rounds - We will be conducting Instructional Rounds on January 21 and 22.  Be looking for an email with a few details and we will finalize the plan on the 20th during our faculty meeting. 

CELL Grant - As you are aware, Perry Central was honored to be a part of a Federal Grant written by CELL to continue to support our Early College goals.  This Wednesday, our school leadership team will attend the first meeting.  This grant is going to allow us to help with funding many initiatives - more information to come soon!