Waiting For Superman

I loved this movie, for many reasons. It clearly put faces to the issues of school choice and competition. There were parts I disagreed with, and parts that I found myself grabbing my wife's arm in response. I fundamentally believe that competition has improved education across the country and the St. Vrain Valley School District in particular. Was there some exaggeration? Yes. Was it warranted? YES!!

I think the education debate in the our current political environment is interesting. We all went to school, thus we all have an opinion about school.

If you are in the mood for a documentary, you'll enjoy this one.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid!

Just saw the movie! I loved it. Diary of a Wimpy Kid is based on a series of stories, very popular with middle school students. After seeing the movie and breezing through the first "book" I know why. The story illustrates how kids percieve middle school. Check it out some time!

Yum!

SCHS Feeder PST

I need to meet with all of the principals before finalizing our plans for the 2011-11 year. Committing to meet 3 times will be a big undertaking, but worthwhile. We will focus our efforts on 21st skills, which is a nice transition while the state implements the revised standards, and our district implements pacing guides.

Please have your reflection to me via email by August 27th so I can turn everything into the PD department ASAP!

Great start, and a solid PST!

Thanks and I look forward to our future work together!

Joe

Altona 3.0 PST

Reminder: tomorrow's meeting is cancelled.

I just emailed the entire Altona staff the revised agenda including Monday's Agenda, CSAP Scores, and the latest Faculty Calendar.

I think we have it figured out.

Please email me you reflection by August 27th, so I can turn everything into the PD department!

Great PST!

ALTONA 3.0

The Summer is almost over, I'm hoping you are enjoying the break.

We have read the books, unpacked the standards, and some of you (math and L.A. teachers) will be receiving the district's curriculum frameworks.

This summer I have learned a very simple truth. No matter who gives you what... you will ultimately be the decider! The teacher in the trenches that cuts and chops and focuses like a laser on the essentials. It is a zero sum game and you only have X amount of days to reach your students.

Next Wednesday, I'll present our new agenda, for commentary and input of course!

See you soon, I'm off to CASE, but I'll be back in the building full time beginning next Monday!

SCHS Feeder PST

Sorry, its been a few weeks, I can't believe my Summer is over as I'm heading off to CASE today!

Our last meeting had some really great ideas. What struck me was how much as a feeder we need to spend developing relationships! Another particularly great idea (IMHO) was having the top 10 feeder instructional strategies... implemented K-12!

Our next meeting is Monday the 2nd.

I know this is appearing to be one big brainstorming session, but I don't see any issues with that... to a point!

See you Monday.