The Coyote Howl: November 2011

Saturday, November 26, 2011

There is nothing quite like being with family for Thanksgiving. Jeanne and I took Charlie to Carlsbad where my folks live. We got to spend some time with my 93 year grandmother and the food was amazing. What else would you expect from parents who own a bakery/restaurant. We would like to hear your Thanksgiving stories if you want to share. By the way, this picture was taken 2 days ago with an iPhone app called Hipstamatic that makes your photos look vintage.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Technology Tools

You've heard the expression, "A tool is only as good as the person using it." I think that is a good thing to remember as we gear up to spend more than $20,000 on technology for Walker Creek. We want to make sure the things we buy fit in with our bottom line of learning and that scholars are able to actually use the tools. I have received some very good ideas from individuals and site-based team members who have conferred with their colleagues. We will have Jeff Samuelson joining us on Monday, November 21 at our faculty meeting to talk about viable technology tools. I encourage you to do some research on your own before then and be prepared to ask Jeff questions. Some of the tools that have been discussed include smart boards, laptops, digital cameras and video cameras, itouches, and ipads. Feel free to email Teresa, Jeff or any of the ITS if you have questions.

My Education Belief Statements

I believe that people perform at their best when their life has balance. I believe that people are motivated by purposeful work and compelling vision. I believe that the quality of the teacher is the most important variable in a child’s academic success. I believe that excellent classroom management is essential to academic success. I believe that we are obligated as educators to create meaningful and purposeful experiences for students. I believe that strong work ethic, initiative, and self-discipline can be learned. I believe that continued success in any endeavor depends on the ability to learn new things. I believe that we have more to learn from each other than any other formal means of professional development. I believe that students are constantly watching us; that they learn more from what we do than what we say

My Philosophy of Discipline

Understand your beliefs and the culture of the school: Know what you want your scholars to do or not do. Establish clear expectations for yourself first and then for your scholars. If your expectations are ambiguous, behavior will be erratic. Be clear and follow through with your beliefs and expectations. Be consistent!

Disciplining a scholar is always an opportunity to teach and build the teacher/scholar relationship: Never assume a scholar knows what appropriate behavior is or isn’t; teach it. The mark of a truly great teacher is the ability to connect and work with scholars who often exhibit obnoxious or disruptive behavior. Loving challenging kids is a skill that can be learned when you invest in the relationship.

Teacher/parent relationships have tremendous influence on your ability to teach responsibility and self control: Make positive contact with your parents early in the year. Your chance of success will increase dramatically if you have already established a relationship of trust and respect.

Never discipline out of anger or reaction: If a scholar sees you blow up, you’ve lost – game over.

Discipline Referrals: Think carefully before writing a referral. The more you handle in the classroom, the more authority you maintain, and the stronger your relationship with your scholars will be. However, some incidents need official documentation, and campus administration needs to be aware of these incidents. If in doubt – ask an administrator or colleague. Getting an objective opinion about a situation is always a good idea if you are not sure which way to go.

The best discipline is prevention: Establish and consistently practice routines and procedures. When you value and model routines and procedures, your scholars will follow your lead. Supervision – If we want our scholars to develop character, responsibility, and integrity, we sometimes have to give them freedom to make decisions. Balance freedom with supervision. Scholars who are unattended too long will find ways to entertain themselves. The areas where supervision is most important.

Playground: many discipline issues stem from playground disputes. Be aware of what your scholars are doing and who they are with.

Hallways: scholars should have excellent hallway routines that are respectful of the school and the learning of other scholars.

Bathrooms: Why scholars pick the bathroom as a quality place to play, I do not know; but they do. Some scholars need many reminders about appropriate bathroom behavior.

Schedule: Dropping off and picking up scholars on time eliminates many potential problems. Respect the clock.

More Eyes = Fewer Problems

The Coyote Howl

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Technology Tools

Walker Creek Elementary

The Principal's Office YouTube