A couple Road Runners queried "What accomplishments at Hawthorn are you most proud of?" I hope it goes without saying that I am very proud of Hawthorn, its students, staff and community. Hawthorn, like Renner, is a very special place. I am Hawthorn's biggest cheerleader and next year, I will, without a doubt, be Renner's biggest cheerleader.
Though there are many things to be proud of, the thing I am most proud of is the sense of community and positive culture we have created at Hawthorn.
In my opinion, Hawthorn has some of the most respectful, courteous students you will ever met. This did not occur by happenstance. This occured through a collective effort focused on common expectations; Ron Clark's Essential 55; and cultivating an atmosphere of respect for students. Do students still need redirections? You bet. Yet, through our common expectations and focus on treating students respectfully, these redirections (and in many instances consequences) are given in a manner that helps students reflect on and change their behavior.
This positive culture is also evident among our staff. Hawthorn is a community founded in mutual respect. Staff do not always agree, but they always treat each other with respect. At Hawthorn, everyone knows gossip and negativity is not acceptable. We have a collective vision to be a positive influence on each other, our students, Park Hill and our community. We are each other's biggest supporters and believe in "the power of nice". (Check out the book The Power of Nice by Kaplan Thaler. It's a quick read.) Again, this culture did not occur by happenstance. It occurred through teambuilding; colleagial conversations; and commitment to this collective vision for our school.
Parents are also a part of this positive culture. Most PTA meetings include a "Ten Minute Topic" that focuses on a school issue. I may talk about the budgeting process; the media specialist might talk about summer reading programs; the third grade team might talk about MAP testing. The topics vary, but the purpose is the same - respect parents as their child's first teacher and help them be a part of the team at Hawthorn.
So, though I am proud of many things at Hawthorn, it is the community that we have created that I am most proud of. It is this community that allows and encourages all other accomplishments to occur.
I am eager to work with the students, staff and parents at Renner to build upon and create a community that supports the mission of Renner Elementary. It's going to be exciting!
By the way, Renner's PTA invited me to attend their meeting this Thursday, April 2nd. If you're in the building at 6:30pm, stop by and say hello!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Hodgepodge
I hope your spring break was restful and relaxing. Thanks to those who posted a comment on the last blog. Sorry they did not show up immediately. Inadvertantly a setting was marked requiring comment approval before posting. This has been changed, so comment and blog back at will!
This week's blog is a hodgepodge of responses to questions you sent my way. Enjoy!
What are your thoughts about jeans on Fridays?
Though this person clarified their question with a "just kidding", I felt it deserved a response. I am okay with jeans on Fridays when there are no special guests in the building. My preference is that jeans are paired with a spirit shirt, but a nice collared top will work as well. The point is "jeans" does not equal "sloppy". Though jeans are not a hot button for me, I do struggle with shower or beach type flip flops. Flip flop styled sandals aren't an issue; it's the one's you buy at Old Navy for $5 and have the thin rubber base. Bottom line: I have no desire to be the clothing police, so just remember to dress in a manner that represents our profession well.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
What a great question. I love how it honors the fact that all humans have pet peeves. As I pondered this question, I considered writing about my "clutter," "tardiness," or "negativity" pet peeves; but, when push comes to shove, I'm not sure these are actually my biggest pet peeve. They are, however, things I feel are important to address. My biggest pet peeve, with negativity running a close second, is related to victim type behaviors. I think this is why I like to build a team of leaders in a school. When you develop your personal leadership skills, it's more difficult to be a victim. When you develop your personal leadership skills, it's easier to make decisions, take risks, and communicate effectively. So, though victim behaviors are my biggest pet peeve, I strive to structure my leadership to address this concern and to build a strong team of teacher leaders. I can't wait to see this at Renner.
KU or MU?
Rock Chalk, Jayhawk! Go KU! Though I'm a KU fan, I will root for any Big 12 team - as long as they're not playing KU. So, tonight I'll be hoping MU beats Memphis, and tomorrow it will be all about KU beating Michigan. Go Big 12!
If you haven't sent back your 3-2-1 Survey, please do. I've enjoyed reading your questions and thoughts. If you've sent back your survey, but now have additional questions or thoughts, feel free to drop me a note or email.
Have a great rest of your week. I hope to see you at the Renner ELL Family Night tonight.
This week's blog is a hodgepodge of responses to questions you sent my way. Enjoy!
What are your thoughts about jeans on Fridays?
Though this person clarified their question with a "just kidding", I felt it deserved a response. I am okay with jeans on Fridays when there are no special guests in the building. My preference is that jeans are paired with a spirit shirt, but a nice collared top will work as well. The point is "jeans" does not equal "sloppy". Though jeans are not a hot button for me, I do struggle with shower or beach type flip flops. Flip flop styled sandals aren't an issue; it's the one's you buy at Old Navy for $5 and have the thin rubber base. Bottom line: I have no desire to be the clothing police, so just remember to dress in a manner that represents our profession well.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
What a great question. I love how it honors the fact that all humans have pet peeves. As I pondered this question, I considered writing about my "clutter," "tardiness," or "negativity" pet peeves; but, when push comes to shove, I'm not sure these are actually my biggest pet peeve. They are, however, things I feel are important to address. My biggest pet peeve, with negativity running a close second, is related to victim type behaviors. I think this is why I like to build a team of leaders in a school. When you develop your personal leadership skills, it's more difficult to be a victim. When you develop your personal leadership skills, it's easier to make decisions, take risks, and communicate effectively. So, though victim behaviors are my biggest pet peeve, I strive to structure my leadership to address this concern and to build a strong team of teacher leaders. I can't wait to see this at Renner.
KU or MU?
Rock Chalk, Jayhawk! Go KU! Though I'm a KU fan, I will root for any Big 12 team - as long as they're not playing KU. So, tonight I'll be hoping MU beats Memphis, and tomorrow it will be all about KU beating Michigan. Go Big 12!
If you haven't sent back your 3-2-1 Survey, please do. I've enjoyed reading your questions and thoughts. If you've sent back your survey, but now have additional questions or thoughts, feel free to drop me a note or email.
Have a great rest of your week. I hope to see you at the Renner ELL Family Night tonight.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Museums, Movies and More
Do you like to have fun? I do! A couple Renner 3-2-1 surveys asked "What do you like to do to have fun?" Since it's right before Spring Break and the season for fun, this is the perfect opportunity to tell you a little about my interests outside of school.
I'm an aunt of nine year old twins, Ian and Erin. Much of my free fun time is spent playing with them. One of our favorite things to do is walk around Crown Center or go to the Nelson Art or Kansas City Miniature and Toy Museums. If you've never been to the Miniature and Toy Museum - you must check it out! It's a hidden Kansas City gem. Outside of my niece and nephew, I spend lots of time with family. I have over 20 cousins and 12 aunts and uncles. Once a year the Tulipanas gather for a "Tulibration"....most families call this a reunion. And, every other month of so, we gather for a "Tulidine". Yes, we're a strange close knit family.
Since I'm a workaholic, I have many low key interests that help me escape. I love movies and consider these ideal for a cold, rainy day. If The American President is on TV, you can almost guarantee I'll watch it. I am also a reality TV junkie. Though many find this confession unbelievable, it is true. My DVR is full of The Amazing Race, American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, Project Runway, and Top Chef.
Besides family time and escapism fun, I love to be with people. I am a member of a book club that has been meeting once a month for over ten years. We are currently reading The Shack and next month move on to Loving Frank. I also enjoy meeting friends at summer outdoor concerts. You can often find me at Zona Rosa on Thursday night listening to the jazz. If it's the First Friday of a month, you may even catch me at The Crossroads District bouncing from gallery to gallery. If the weather is too cold or money is too tight, I love to have people over for a casual evening of games. I love board games (yes, I'm competitive), but Wii has been the main attraction lately. I play a mean Guitar Hero and you won't want to challenge me to Wii boxing. TKO!
Lastly, I love to create. I play piano poorly; draw all too infrequently; write whenever I can; and craft mostly near the holidays.
As you can tell, I have very eclectic and diverse interests. If you're game, blog back and tell me a little about what you like to do for fun. Just hit the "comment" button and start typing.
Have a fantastic spring break and, no matter what you do for fun, I hope you have lots of time to make it happen!
I'm an aunt of nine year old twins, Ian and Erin. Much of my free fun time is spent playing with them. One of our favorite things to do is walk around Crown Center or go to the Nelson Art or Kansas City Miniature and Toy Museums. If you've never been to the Miniature and Toy Museum - you must check it out! It's a hidden Kansas City gem. Outside of my niece and nephew, I spend lots of time with family. I have over 20 cousins and 12 aunts and uncles. Once a year the Tulipanas gather for a "Tulibration"....most families call this a reunion. And, every other month of so, we gather for a "Tulidine". Yes, we're a strange close knit family.
Since I'm a workaholic, I have many low key interests that help me escape. I love movies and consider these ideal for a cold, rainy day. If The American President is on TV, you can almost guarantee I'll watch it. I am also a reality TV junkie. Though many find this confession unbelievable, it is true. My DVR is full of The Amazing Race, American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, Project Runway, and Top Chef.
Besides family time and escapism fun, I love to be with people. I am a member of a book club that has been meeting once a month for over ten years. We are currently reading The Shack and next month move on to Loving Frank. I also enjoy meeting friends at summer outdoor concerts. You can often find me at Zona Rosa on Thursday night listening to the jazz. If it's the First Friday of a month, you may even catch me at The Crossroads District bouncing from gallery to gallery. If the weather is too cold or money is too tight, I love to have people over for a casual evening of games. I love board games (yes, I'm competitive), but Wii has been the main attraction lately. I play a mean Guitar Hero and you won't want to challenge me to Wii boxing. TKO!
Lastly, I love to create. I play piano poorly; draw all too infrequently; write whenever I can; and craft mostly near the holidays.
As you can tell, I have very eclectic and diverse interests. If you're game, blog back and tell me a little about what you like to do for fun. Just hit the "comment" button and start typing.
Have a fantastic spring break and, no matter what you do for fun, I hope you have lots of time to make it happen!
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Leadership Council 101
It's been asked, more than once, how I hope to structure the Renner Leadership Council. In order to be effective, a representative structure is best. Through the representative structure each grade level and department are given a voice on the Building School Improvement Plan (BSIP) and how best to meet the needs of the students, staff, parents and community. Specifically, I anticipate Leadership Council being comprised of one member of each grade level; a representative from special education/Title I; and a representative from Encore (my preferred term for "specials", since these classes are "in addition to the core" curriculum). This basic structure would fill 8 of the 10 available Leadership Council positions. The remaining two positions would be filled to meet specific needs of the Building School Improvement Plan. This may vary from year to year. At this point, based on my cursory review of Renner's Balanced Scorecard, I anticipate requesting the school counselor or social worker to fill one of these positions and an ELL teacher to fill the other position.
Members of the Leadership Council have many responsibilities. They are expected to communicate Leadership Council information to those they represent. They are expected to step up and lead by chairing vertical or ad hoc teams. And, they are expected to be a positive voice throughout the school. They must believe we can and will make a difference for each and every student in the school. Finally, Leadership Council members are expected to attend all Leadership Council meetings and to fully participate in these meetings. Sometimes this means completing assignments prior to the meeting to be ready to participate. Leadership Council meetings will be held afterschool from approximately 3:45-5:00pm.
Since I value shared leadership, Leadership Council members will serve a 2 or 3 year term. This will allow all interested staff members the opportunity to serve on the Council and will afford the Council a variety of ideas, thoughts and input.
Begin considering whether or not you would like to serve on the Renner Leadership Council for the 2009-2010 school year. This August you will be given the opportunity to express your interest and the Renner Leadership Council will be formed.
I look forward to working with Renner's Leadership Council to review and refine the Renner BSIP to address concerns identified in the Renner Balanced Scorecard and to help our students and staff achieve the highest levels of success.
Members of the Leadership Council have many responsibilities. They are expected to communicate Leadership Council information to those they represent. They are expected to step up and lead by chairing vertical or ad hoc teams. And, they are expected to be a positive voice throughout the school. They must believe we can and will make a difference for each and every student in the school. Finally, Leadership Council members are expected to attend all Leadership Council meetings and to fully participate in these meetings. Sometimes this means completing assignments prior to the meeting to be ready to participate. Leadership Council meetings will be held afterschool from approximately 3:45-5:00pm.
Since I value shared leadership, Leadership Council members will serve a 2 or 3 year term. This will allow all interested staff members the opportunity to serve on the Council and will afford the Council a variety of ideas, thoughts and input.
Begin considering whether or not you would like to serve on the Renner Leadership Council for the 2009-2010 school year. This August you will be given the opportunity to express your interest and the Renner Leadership Council will be formed.
I look forward to working with Renner's Leadership Council to review and refine the Renner BSIP to address concerns identified in the Renner Balanced Scorecard and to help our students and staff achieve the highest levels of success.
Monday, March 2, 2009
The Discipline Dilemma
Discipline....Discipline....Discipline.... Already, with just a handful of surveys in, this topic is a common thread. I imagine this will be the first of many blog entries about the topic. Suffice it to say, I believe the culture of the school has a direct impact on student success and staff satisfaction. I believe it is important that we establish and maintain high expectations for ourselves, our students and our families. I believe a school community should work collaboratively to develop common expectations. I believe a school should focus on helping students acquire "replacement skills" and should commit to teaching appropriate procedures and routines. Can a principal do all of this alone? No way! Creating this type of school is a collaborative effort. It requires all stakeholders to be actively involved; to work the plan; and to think outside the box. Personally, I look forward to working to help assure the students and staff at Renner have this type of learning environment. You, and the students, deserve it.
Specifically, someone asked will I accept office referrals or will that remain a teacher responsibility. I will and do accept office referrals. This, however, does not mean discipline is solely the responsibility of the principal's office. Student management (as I prefer to call it) is everyone's responsibility. We will work together to put into place a student management plan that capitalizes on the strengths of BIST while supporting both students and staff. In fact, next week I will be attending a meeting to explore whether or not the PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) model might be appropriate for Renner. This model, which can be used hand in hand with RtI, is a state recommended model with research to support it. If you're interested in learning more, check out the PBIS link. http://www.pbis.org/
Whether PBIS is the right student management plan or not, please know that I am committed to developing the right plan to help our students achieve greater success academically, behaviorally, and socially.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)