Gratitude

This week we will be celebrating Thanksgiving.  When we think of Thanksgiving, mostly what comes to mind is turkey, amazing food, Black Friday and football!  Even though we enjoy all of these things, one of the most powerful reminders of the holiday is actually giving "thanks".

In a recent study that studied the mindset of gratitude, they found that individuals who focused on the areas in their life they were grateful for daily felt more optimistic and positive than the others in the group.  Not only were they happier, but they reported fewer visits to the doctor!  Gratitude also activates the hypothalamus and increases the levels of dopamine, lowering the effects of metabolism, stress and various behaviors like sleep, promoting feelings of self-worth and compassion for others.  Bottom line - gratitude makes you a happier and healthier person!

So this Thanksgiving, take time to tell people in your life what you appreciate about them and do not forget to look in the mirror and think about a quality you like or something you have accomplished.  It can change your outlook and your life.

I am very grateful to work in an environment full of individuals who love kids the way all of you do.  You do not only care about their learning, but you mostly care that all of our students are cared  for and loved daily.  I am also grateful to be in the field of education and mostly to share it with you at Perry Central.

It is my hope this Thanksgiving that you have the opportunity to share in a feast, shop your hearts out, cheer on your favorite team and take time to fill your heart with gratitude.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Important Information: 

Pitch-In - If you are interested, there will be a pitch-in on Monday in the elementary commons area.  Thank you to Joyce Foury for organizing the event!

After School Meeting - We will have a corporation meeting on Tuesday, December 3rd from 3:15 - 4:15 in the elementary cafeteria.  There will be an autism specialist coming to help us learn more about students with autism and how we can help them.

Faculty Meeting - We will have our last Faculty meeting of 2019 on Tuesday, December 10th at 7:20 a.m.  Breakfast will be served and we will have some important information to share with you!

Final Exams:  Thank you to everyone who participated in the Final Exam survey.   Basically, our faculty is exactly split on what they would like to see for a schedule.  Because of this, and the reasons that many people provided, we are going to keep our schedule the same - blocked.  Periods 2,4,5,6 will test on Thursday, December 19th and Periods 1,3,5,7 will test on Friday, December 20th.   (I wonder if there would be anyone that would want to brainstorm some ideas for junior high students?  I know they are the hardest to keep entertained during this time.  If you are interested - let me know.  I would be happy to try to think of some solutions.)

Out - Jody will be out of the office on Monday and Tuesday this week for the Principal Conference in Indy.  Please know that I will be available by email or phone at anytime.  You are in good hands with Mr. Zellers!

Athletics:  Good luck to the boys basketball team as they have their season opener at Tell City on Wednesday!  The Girls Varsity will play Cannelton at Home on Monday!

Supporting our Teachers

Earlier this fall, I was working in the concession stand for the elementary football game.  It was a rainy, Saturday morning and my eyes were not quite out of their fog.  All of the sudden, I see a grown man start running towards me, "Mrs. French, I can't believe it is you!"  It was a student I taught at Paoli High School.  (He was of course old enough to have a child playing football that morning - jeez, that is hard to believe!)  He ran up, gave me a hug and was excited to be able to share his life after high school with me.  It was a heartwarming welcome.  As we parted, he told me that I would always be his favorite teacher.  Deep down, I knew that he probably said this to others, but in that moment it was just a great reminder why I get up everyday and come to work.  

I think that we have all had these kind of moments in our lives. On many occasions, we see past students always trying to come back to Perry Central when they are home from college to see their teachers.  I also talk to many past students and how they are excited to have their own children return to their Alma mater because they have such fond, warm memories.  Even though teaching can be difficult work at times, it is such a joy to have the opportunity to have such a positive influence on another person's life.  I cannot think of any other profession that comes close to having such a significant impact. It is a privilege to be a teacher and serve others in such a capacity.

This Tuesday, November 19th, is Red for Ed Day at the Indiana Statehouse.  Teachers from across the state are rallying for more support for the many classrooms across the state of Indiana.  On this day, we all wear red to support our teachers.  It is a day we can come together and recognize the impact they make on our communities each and everyday.  Not only do they teach their subject areas, but they guide, support, inspire and love.  Thanks to all of you for your passion to create opportunities for students.  We salute you!

Important Information: 

Teacher Pitch-In:  You are invited to participate in a pitch-in, Monday, November 25th in the elementary commons.  Please bring a dish of your choice to share!

Teacher Evaluations:  If you are interested in video taping a lesson to submit for an additional observation, please let Jody or Phil know.  We can help you set up the Swivel!  Video taping is a great reflection tool!  (It is really easy, I promise!)

PLC Meetings:  This week, we will be in to share our communication plans during WIN.  You will receive an email to finalize the meeting time.  See you this week!

Diversity Day:  Reminder we will have a corporation meeting on Tuesday, November 19th from 3:05-4:15 in the elementary cafeteria.  Ice Cream sundaes will be available at 3:05 and the program will start promptly at 3:15.  Due to this training, we will be cancelling 8th period and math tutoring on this day.

Junior High House Meeting - We will have a quick Junior High House meeting Tuesday, November 19th at 7:30 in the high school library.  We will discuss details for the Creative Competition and a few other ideas for making the team a little more competitive.  We hope to add a little "Surprise and Delight!"   Here is a link to a possible lip sync for teachers for our "creative" - It has a holiday theme, but we can change the words a bit:  12 Days of Christmas/Holiday Teacher Version


Updates to Tech Support -  We are going through some updates with AME for our technology supports.  A few weeks ago, we showed you how to submit a tech support by utilizing a little blue button at the bottom of your screen.  This will no longer be utilized.   For tech support issues for teachers and students, please go to the school web page, Technology Drop Down and then "Request Tech Support".  This is the best way to ensure your technology needs are being met.  Please let us know if you have any concerns!

ISTEP Testing - Just a reminder we have a handful of students taking the math ISTEP test this week.  Mrs. Harris sent out an email with names.  If you have questions, please see Mrs. Harris.  We thank her for her help with this.

Project Based Learning

This past summer, Perry Central was fortunate to host the Buck Institute for a Project-Based Learning Workshop.  Project-Based learning is a way to bring authentic learning into the classroom.  Students get to solve a real-world problem over time, work as a team, think critically and creatively and then present their product to a real audience!  When our team traveled to New York to see their Poly-Tech program, they coined these type of projects as  Industry Challenges!

We are fortunate to have many Industry Challenges happening at Perry Central throughout the school year.  Mr. Gehlhausen and Mr. Niehaus just had a competition to see what students could create the best biodegradable product from the 3D Printer.  The winner of the first round was a biodegradable medicine bottle.  Commodore Manufacturing is project based learning on steroids, solving industry challenges daily.

Project Based Learning (or Industry Challenges) do not only have to happen in the vocational classes, but in any class!  Part of the same grant opportunity that brought the Buck Institute to Perry Central, also gives us the opportunity to develop more lessons like this, with a little incentive!   Teachers who develop a project and carry it out to fruition can earn $500 per project.  Also written in the grant is the opportunity for the business or community group to earn $500 as well, for being a partner.

If you are interested (or need some help) developing a project like this, we would LOVE to help!  It is a great way to bring authenticity to the classroom - and a little cash in your pocket!  Just email Jody for more details!


Important Information:

Faculty Meeting - We will have a faculty meeting at 7:20 a.m. on Wednesday, November 13th.  We will have breakfast and a lot of great conversation!

You're Invited - In an effort to spread the Surprise and Delight throughout our school, we would like to create a committee to look at how we can better incorporate fun/competition into our junior high house system and for students in grades 9-12.  If you would like to help us with this work, we would like to invite you to a meeting this Friday morning (November 15th)  at 7:30 a.m. in the high school library!  Hope to see many of you there!  Please see Jody if you have questions!

Diversity Training - Tuesday, November 19th, we will have an after-school meeting from 3:15 - 4:15 for diversity training.  This is a corporation wide opportunity.  Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.

9th Grade Field Trip - Monday, November 18th is the 9th grade field trip.  All 9th grade students will be visiting a couple of colleges that day.  Thank you to Dana for organizing this trip!

ASVAB - This Thursday is the ASVAB test.  Dana will be sending out a list of students who plan to participate.  She does not anticipate this being more than 25 students. The test will be the first four periods of the day.

Veterans Day - Monday, November 11th is Veterans Day.  We are excited to host Harriet Neill, a Tell City native and 1st Lieutenant in the United States Air Force Nurse Corps.  Juniors and seniors will be invited to attend the event.  The High School band and Cub Scout Pack 191 will be participating as well.  Thank you to all who have served and are currently serving!


Veterans Day -

Remembering You Why

This week, I had the opportunity to meet with one of our seniors at a local restaurant in town.  This student has been struggling with life - trying to make it on their own.  The stress of making sure they have money for food & electric, balancing school and work, and not having a support system in place is more than any 18 year old should even have to balance.  It felt safer for the student to meet off campus and allowed me to meet with her in more of a mentor role than principal role - which always better!

My purpose for the meeting was to provide hope, guidance, and support.  I wanted to let them know that we hadn't given up on them and if we work together, there was still a lot of time for success!  We were able to make a plan and I feel like we are moving in the right direction. 

As a reflect on this student, and other students like this, it reminds me of why I get up and come to school everyday.  We have so many students that need our patients, forgiveness, time, and warm smile.  Watching a student go from disparity to believing in themselves is the sweet spot and that is when we know we have made a difference.  I personally cannot think of a greater reward. It is an honor for me to serve students in need and it is why I come to school each and every day.

Simon Sinek reminds us about the importance of remembering our "why".  What is our purpose, our call, our belief?  Simon tells us that when we start with our "why" we inspire others.  So this week, I would encourage all of you remind yourself about your "why" and be ready to be re-energized!  Share it with at least one person this week!

You can catch Simon's inspirational YouTube video HERE. 


Important Information: 

RTI Meeting - Wednesday, November 6th, we will have an RTI meeting at 7:20 a.m. in the high school library.  If you have students you would like our team to problem solve, please send them to Jody asap! 

Faculty Meeting - Due to conflicts, we would like to move our morning faculty meeting to Wednesday, November 13th at 7:20 a.m.  Please mark your calendars!

Diversity Training - Tuesday, November 19th, we will have an after school corporation meeting for diversity training.  This is a very important event for all of us.  We will give you specific times as the event gets closer. 

2018-2019 Final Evaluations - We are finally able to finalize your evaluations from last school year.  Very soon, we will be reaching out to you and asking for your signature!  This is considered a "harmless" year, so we are able to use our "A" letter grade from last year!  Yeah! 

Accountability Model - Last week, I attended our last accountability model meeting at the state house.  It has been an interesting experience.  Our charge was to submit an accountability model that aligned to the new graduation pathways.  We worked to align the federal requirements (ESSA) and state requirements so that we would only have one letter grade in the future.

Below you will find a link to the document that will be submitted.  State Board of Education has the power to change any part of the model they choose (so who knows where it will go from here.) I have bullet points to offer some clarity.  If you have any questions - I would be happy to share what I know and understand (it is very complicated.)

Accountability Model Link

* Box 1 - Measures "College and Career Readiness" - Basically, this is talking about the High School Exam that we must give to juniors (It will start with this year's freshmen).  In two years, the former ISTEP 10 exam will move to a SAT/ACT model.  All students within the grade will have to take the test.  Federal law requires a high school exam and state law says that we will utilize a college entrance test.  Only 15% of our overall letter grade will be based on this exam AND our success will be based on the average of the state.  Right now, there will be zero growth scores as their goal is to eliminate unnecessary retesting and remediation.
* Box 2 - Basically, this is our graduation rate based on the grad pathways.  Students who earn a waiver from grad pathways will count against us (by then, we shouldn't need any waivers.)  This is also recommended to be 15%
* Box 3 - We will be measured by the number of students who complete one of the outcomes listed.  You will notice there are several options for students (not just one ISTEP test.)

We are in a good place to be ready for an accountability model like this, but there will be some work to do.  The goal of this panel is to now continue to work on a middle school and elementary model that is not tied directly to the ILEARN but will have multiple measures.

I am excited about what is taking place in the state of Indiana.  I think it is going to be a welcomed change for our students.  We will see what Indiana does with it!  :-)


Congrats to the football team and coaches!  They will be playing for the sectional championship at Perry Central this Friday night against West Washington!  Go Commodores!!!

Choosing Happiness

This weekend, my  mom and aunt took their 91 year old mother (my grandma) to the Carolina's to see her long lost friend, Bill.  My grandma has been a widow for over 30 years as my grandpa died at a fairly early age.  She and Bill (we have lovingly nicknamed him"grandma's boyfriend") have spoken on the phone for many years, remembering the days they worked together at the Perry County Extension Office. 

It has been such a joy to see grandma so excited about this trip!  Every time anyone would mentioned his name, she would giggle.  My very conservative grandmother even decided on her own to get a manicure for the visit!!  It is cracking us all up!

All of us have people in our lives that are extra special to us, and my grandma is one of those people.  I have learned many things from her, like:  how to throw a ball, make really good chocolate pie, understand the importance of "being there" for others, and the importance of a smile.  My grandma lived (like many of yours) through the depression (she still uses bread sacks as zip lock bags), raised four children, ran her own business, was a farmer's wife,  lost her husband at an early age and has lived alone for 30 plus years.  She is living proof that we can all persevere and still live life to its fullest.   

Happiness is a choice.  I feel blessed to have such a good role model.  I hope I can touch half as many lives as she has!

This week, I encourage all of you to think about the people in your life that really make you happy and find a way to pass their influence on to others. 


Important Information:

PLC Meetings:  We would like to meet with all PLC teams this week. I will get with each of your teams to verify a time. Please make arrangements to attend the meeting.  Looking forward to working with everyone!

Observations:  Mr. Zellers and I have been working hard to get into your classrooms.  I think he is ahead of me. .  he has already set up some times with some of you.  I plan to do the same this week.  We will do our very best to make our set appointments!  We always enjoy getting into your classrooms!

PSAT - A reminder that the PSAT will be given on October 30th during periods 1-4.  Dana has communicated the list of students that will be participating. Please let us know if you have any questions!

House Team Meeting - Junior High teachers who are leading houses, just a reminder we will meet this Tuesday at 7:20 in the high school library to look at curriculum for the next few weeks.

RTI Meeting - RTI team will meet Wednesday, November 6th at 7:25 in the high school library. 

Accountability Model - Last week, I attended our last accountability model meeting at the state house.  It has been an interesting experience.  Our charge was to submit an accountability model that aligned to the new graduation pathways.  We worked to align the federal requirements (ESSA) and state requirements so that we would only have one letter grade in the future. 

Below you will find a link to the document that will be submitted.  State Board of Education has the power to change any part of the model they choose (so who knows where it will go from here.) I have bullet points to offer some clarity.  If you have any questions - I would be happy to share what I know and understand (it is very complicated.)

Accountability Model Link

* Box 1 - Measures "College and Career Readiness" - Basically, this is talking about the High School Exam that we must give to juniors (It will start with this year's freshmen).  In two years, the former ISTEP 10 exam will move to a SAT/ACT model.  All students within the grade will have to take the test.  Federal law requires a high school exam and state law says that we will utilize a college entrance test.  Only 15% of our overall letter grade will be based on this exam AND our success will be based on the average of the state.  Right now, there will be zero growth scores as their goal is to eliminate unnecessary retesting and remediation. 
* Box 2 - Basically, this is our graduation rate based on the grad pathways.  Students who earn a waiver from grad pathways will count against us (by then, we shouldn't need any waivers.)  This is also recommended to be 15%
* Box 3 - We will be measured by the number of students who complete one of the outcomes listed.  You will notice there are several options for students (not just one ISTEP test.) 

We are in a good place to be ready for an accountability model like this, but there will be some work to do.  The goal of this panel is to now continue to work on a middle school and elementary model that is not tied directly to the ILEARN but will have multiple measures.

I am excited about what is taking place in the state of Indiana.  I think it is going to be a welcomed change for our students.  We will see what Indiana does with it!  :-) 

Congratulations to our football team for hanging in there and pulling out a win last Friday night for first round of sectional play!  The boys will play this Friday in Farmersburg (just a few minutes south of Terre Haute).  The team may need to leave early on this date - we will keep you posted. 

Fall Fest - This Tuesday evening the elementary will host the Fall Fest.  We have many junior high/high school students participating - including a concert from the band starting at 5:30 p.m.  Hope to see you there!

Have a Great, Spooky Week!

See A Problem - Solve a Problem

This past summer, we had the opportunity to listen to Buddy Berry speak at Perry Central. One of the most powerful statements that I think he shared was the idea of “See a problem, solve a problem”.   Sometimes for me, it is easy to get into a blame game or be waiting for someone else to solve a problem!  His philosophy was a powerful reminder that we all have the power to make positive change in our personal and professional lives.  

We have to remember that we are in this work together and TOGETHER we can take our students to high levels of education. I encourage you this week to see a problem, solve a problem!  

Blue Lobster Ideas: (Problem Solvers) 

Since we are not having our normal morning meeting this month - I wanted to share some more Blue Lobster Ideas from your colleagues!  Last month Heidi and Ty shared their great ideas and this month I would like to highlight Brennan and Hailei!  

Brennan Malone (He has started a You Tube Channel with his own reflections from the classroom - I encourage you to learn this from him by subscribing to his channel!)

  * Golf Pencils seem to be a solution to students forgetting their pencils - having a box on your desk eliminates students from stopping class to find one AND they typically do not like the pencil and give them back!  

 * Attitude Line - When you enter Brennan's classroom there is a red line taped to the floor.  Students know that they need to assume an attitude of learning when they cross it! 

* Games and FUN - Every Monday students participate in short team building games and he has other incentives built in, including putt putt golf and a comfortable couch

* Weekly Commitments - Each week the students and the teacher make a commitment to each other and it is written on the board for all to see

 Hailei Gehlhausen -  Hailei had something happen in her classroom that was fairly disruptive to her school day.  She embraced Restorative Practices the next day, led by Shelly Kunkle.  She and her students learned how to work through their problem, express their concerns and apologies and put guardrails in place for next time.  I think Hailei found it to be a successful way to hold students accountable and teach students how to work through conflict.  I am sure she would share her experiences with you!  

Important Information: 

Congratulations to the Green Team!  They won the Junior High House Athletic Competition last week. Big shout out to Lauren Blake for her leadership for this activity and all of the teachers that helped!  Mr. Gehlhausen and Mr.  Guilliame will have to catch up to Heidi now!  

Attendance - even though sometimes attendance seems to be a struggle - Mr. Zellers reported around 150 students with perfect attendance for the first quarter!  Thanks to Phil for staying on top of this important measure. Students who had perfect attendance received a Surprise and Delight - McDonalds Breakfast Sandwich!  

After School Meeting:  We will have an after school training on Tuesday, October 22nd.  Teachers and Assistants will train from 3:15-4:15 p.m. and assistants will stay from 4:15 - 5:30 p.m.   Daycare will be open until 5:30 p.m.  The training will be held in the elementary cafeteria.  See everyone there!  

Reminder:  Please send Jody your 2nd Quarter Reporting Topics so we can get them updated in the system.  There are several classes that are not set up correctly, 2nd quarter.  

Awesome Art:  Students in Mrs. Poehlein's class have been working hard to create art for the Rome, IN Art Show.  Student's art pieces are available to see in Mrs. Poehlein's room through Monday and then will be on display at the Pour Haus.  Thanks to Nancy for her leadership!  Stop in and see it if you have a chance!

Junior High Alternative School - starting Monday, with the leadership of Heidi Zellers, we will be starting our first day in our junior high alternative school!  We know that our students come to us with many needs, and not all of our students can make it in the regular classroom. Students in this system will receive 1:1 or small group instruction in math, ELA and writing, have a couple of periods with hands-on work (to teach professional skills) and a period for Social Emotional Learning Curriculum.).  Wish us luck on our first day!  

Equipment moving - the addition of our junior high alt school caused us to be creative with space.  The community exercise room has been moved to the former ice room in the weight room area.  The ice machine is now in the laundry facility in the high school gym. Thanks to Chris and Jeremy for their help!  

Important Dates: 

October 22 - After School Meeting (No morning meeting) 

October 24 - Dana will be hosting 11th and 12th grade families Thursday night for Financial Aid Training.  Thanks to Dana for her leadership. 

October 25 - We will have a pep session for the varsity football team.  The varsity football team will travel to Tecumseh for sectional play.  I will send a reminder of the time changes in the schedule.  Congratulations to Cole Hess and Vanessa Barger (and Jason & Heidi) for advancing to the semi-state cross country meet this coming Saturday!  

October 29 - Fall Fest

October 30-  PSAT (Dana will send schedule.  This will affect a few 9th & 11th grade students and all of the 10th grade students the first 4 periods of the day)

Dive into Data

This past week, Dana Harris and I have been combing through a lot of data as we work on our School Improvement plan that is due at the end of this week.  Even though this extra layer of work can be frustrating, it has been a great opportunity to take a step back and reflect on all of the fruits of our labor. 

One of the data points we are looking at comes from the Panorama Survey, which captures the social-emotional progress that our students are making (students just completed the first survey for the school year this past week.)  I find this data to be very interesting and telling.  Below, you will see three graphs with an explanation.  As you look at this data, I think it is important for all of us to take a step back and look at the needs of our students.  Students that are struggling in these four areas of Social/Emotional Learning are probably also struggling to be ready to learn in the classroom.  The numbers seem staggering, but as we look at how our students grow during their high school years, we know there is hope.  :-)

We know our students need supports to be successful.  Please know that our admin and counseling team are committed to providing outside supports that will also support learning in the classroom. If you remember this summer, we shared our Multi-Tiered System of Supports document that shows the work that needs to happen at each tier.  None of this work can be done alone.  It takes all of us working together.  Find MTSS Plan HERE

Thank you for working so hard for our students.  I am reminded that we must come to school each day, meet our students where they are and take them as far as we can take them!  Our jobs as teachers, administrators, assistants, counselors are HARD!  If we can all stick together, we will make it through! 

Data from Panorama:

In the graph to the right, students in grades 7-12 answered questions to determine competency in 4 different categories of SEL. The overall percentages served as baselines for comparison for each grade level in the graphs that follow.

The graphs to the right compare the percent differences between each grade-level with the overall percentage of student competencies in grades 7-12. The percent difference at zero represents the overall percentage for all students surveyed. The numbers above zero represent the percentage of students that is greater than the overall score. The numbers below zero represent the percentage of students that is lower than the overall score. In 2018-2019, grades 10 and 12 have higher competencies compared to those in grades 7, 8, 9, and 11. In 2019-2020 fall pre-test, grades 10, 11, and 12 have higher competencies compared to those in grades 7, 8, and 9. 

Important Information:

College Fair: Students in grades 11 and 12 will be participating in the college fair on Monday at the Tell City Ivy Tech from 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. (will be gone from 9:00 - 11:00). All county schools will be participating in the event. We are very lucky to bring so many colleges to our students all in one place! Thank you to Dana Harris for her organization of the event. You can find a list of students who will be participating HERE.

Tour of Opportunity: All 8th grade students and advanced manufacturing students will be participating in the Tour of Opportunity on Friday, October 11th. This is a great field trip as students will be exposed to many career opportunities in our community. Advanced Manufacturing students will be sharing important information about local manufacturing companies.

After School Training: On Tuesday, October 22nd, we are going to move our morning meeting to an after school PLC meeting from 3:15 p.m. - 4:30.m. We will be asking our assistants to stay after school as well for training. More information to come soon! (So, just for your planning - no morning meeting that day - only after school!)

Learning Lunch Update: We know that Learning Lunch has been an issue of being full most days. We have made several changes in the last week to help with this:

* We have provided extra supports to junior high students with IEPs (seemed to be frequent fliers in LL)

* All 7th grade students will automatically be assigned to 8th period when missing work (7th grade teachers are banning together to make sure this happens)

* When LL is full, students will automatically be sent to 8th period - Jody, Phil or Dana will work hard to make those calls and get students signed up

Please know that we understand this work is very time consuming and hard. We are in this work together. If you have ideas for how to make this system better, the door is always open. :-)

Good Luck to Varsity Volleyball and Cross Country on their upcoming sectional play!!! Dress up days will be posted for later this week.