The first few days of school are some of the most important times for us as we work to set the culture for the entire school year. As we know, first impressions are always the most important, so being ready for the first few days is always imperative!
Jennifer Mitchell shared a study with me last week. (You can find a copy of the study HERE.) The title of the research project is, "The First Days of School in the Classroom of Two More Effective and Four Less Effective Teachers." The study was focused on primary and middle grade levels, but as I read through the research, I found a lot of great reminders that would fit for all of us, as well! Here are some highlights for highly effective classrooms:
* Take time to establish a classroom atmosphere: Be enthusiastic, Be organized on the first day, Have students participate in team activities to develop a family culture, Share community values - such as respect, being trust worthy, etc. Model what that behavior looks like, Show kindness and Compassion, Talk to them about the importance of taking ownership of their behaviors
* Use Praise - Ensure to provide specific feedback to students and praise them. Catch them being good! Always use positive intent - tell them, "You are the best class I have ever had!", "I know you are going to make great choices this year!", Everyday should be a fresh start.
* Student Choices - Highly effective classrooms provide student choices where ever they can, Allow students to think about what they want their classroom to feel, Set expectations together
* Model Behaviors - When introducing procedures, practice those procedures with students/ role play certain procedures like how to request to use the restroom, what does your phone policy look like, what does a tardy look like. Notice when students are following procedures and behaviors and tell them how much you appreciate their work!
* Build Relationships - Take time to know students by name, find out their interest, be curious (If a student is not following a procedure ask them why instead of getting mad first)
The first days of school are always exciting. I am looking forward to sharing them with you!
New Family Member: We are excited to have Payton Malone (many of you know her by Payton Emmons) joining our teaching team. She will be teaching Biology, ICP and Biology II. We are excited
to have her!
* Also, we hired someone to take Melissa Toothman's place, but they backed out on us a few days ago. Kris Walsh was willing to help rescue us. Kris will be moving from his current special education position and transitioning into the Life Skills Room. Kris has taught in this space before. It was a very last minute change and he did it with a very happy heart - he even drove to a week long training in Indy at the last minute for professional development. We appreciate his willingness to be so flexible. He will continue to teach computer science.
* Along with the special education move, Jane Goffinet also took a leap of faith. She is going to return to our building and teach special education students and our Education Profession class. We appreciate her being willing to help us out and we look forward to having her in our building daily.
Back to School Retreat: Our Back To School Retreat will be Wednesday, August 3rd from 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. I have attached a rough agenda for the day HERE. We are looking forward to a great day of learning together! (This is for teachers and counselors)
7th Grade Orientation: Our guidance department will be hosting 7th grade orientation on Wednesday, August 3rd at 6:00 p.m. If you are a 7th grade teacher and would be willing to be at the training and meet our new 7th graders, that would be amazing! It is always an exciting evening!
Class Rosters: If you log into Skyward, you should be able to set up your gradebooks and then see your class lists. We are still working through some details and we know there will be many changes from now to the beginning of school. If you look at your lists and have questions or concerns, please let Dana or I know. We are sure there are mistakes, so there are not any dumb questions!
Construction: If you haven't been to school for awhile, there are many changes for the school year. The basement of the dome has been renovated and we hope the band classes will begin the year down there. The expansion of the vocational building is coming along nicely and they are getting ready to install a new playground in the elementary! It is an exciting time of year and everyone is working hard to get things ready for school!
Early College goes to 4th Grade: During the Back to School Night, we will be hosting Early College sessions for 4th grade families. Our hope is to share our strong Early College Data, help families understand the vast definition of what college is and talk to them about the importance of education beyond a high school diploma! We can never start too early. Fourth graders (their families) that attend the session will receive a cool t-shirt designed by Dana Harris herself!
(You can't see the shirt - but it will be the definition of college - noun "an education beyond a high school diploma" also see: certification, apprenticeship, bachelor degree, associate degree, military training, etc." Future Early College Graduate Class of 2031)
Important Dates:
July 27 - Social Studies Team Meeting 9-2
July 28 - CTE PLC Team Meeting, led by Lisa Deck 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
August 1 - Certified Restraint Training 8:00 - 2:00 @ PC
August 3 - Back to School Retreat 8:00 - 3:00/ 7th Grade Orientation 6:00 - 7:30
August 4 - Back to School Night 5:00 - 7:00
August 10 - Teacher Day 8:00 - 3:00 (Teaching Assistants will join us on this day)
August 11 - First Student Day
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