Will You be Their Champion?

Often we can get caught up in the hectic pace of the school day and sometimes lose sight of our mission, vision, and true purpose. Rita Pearson, in one of her TED Talks, shares insight in to why we need to build relationships with our students and champion “their cause”. Remember we must “seek first to understand” our students. Take a moment (or 7:48 minutes) to watch Rita inspire us to re-ignite the passion. Enjoy friends!

 

http://www.ted.com/talks/rita_pierson_every_kid_needs_a_champion.html

Consider Flipping your August "Back to School" Teacher Meetings

As we use the summer to reflect, relax, and rest. Eventually we will begin to “return” to getting ready for the new school year. As we ponder the multitude of ways to prepare for the Kick-Off to the 2013-2014 school year, we recall the list of required elements of our meeting agendas, PD sessions, and the long list of “to-dos”.  In developing your plans, why not consider “Flipping” your Back to School Meetings in August? Or as least a portion or small facet of those sessions. Our teachers are inundated with quite a bit of information at the start of the school year. So this way you can provide the information in advance, then allow for additional “learning” to take place, and then allow for additional team, department, or PLC meetings. The work and meeting days that precede the start of the school year are a precious commodity, so why not maximize that time with Flipped Teacher Meetings?

By flipping the August Teacher Meetings you will:

•  Be modeling this practice for your teachers,
• Provide the additional and invaluable PD time for your staff,
• Eliminate the dreaded “sit and get” staff meeting,a
• Offer  reference materials via the Flipped video for the staff to return to following the Teacher Meetings

Why not start the year with forward moving meetings led out with Flipped Professional Development! Then you can assist your staff with the transition into a Flipped Classroom. I need run so I can start working on my agendas, plans, and script for my Flipped August Teacher Meetings. See Ya!

Don't leave the office without it...

This past spring, I rarely left my office without first grabbing my iPad or iPhone. Inevitably, if I were to leave one of them behind, the secretaries would get an email from me (if I had my laptop or a quick phone call from the nearest teacher phone). I learned that by having one of these two devices with me at all times I could easily chronicle key learning moments throughout the school day.  During one assembly I was snapping pictures (using Instagram) and one student asked, “Hey Dr. Huff, are you on Instagram?” The students love it when they see us using current technology. Right away I had several new Instagram followers. The students and staff have now grown accustomed to my new found photography hobby.

So how did this all come to fruition? Why did I suddenly start taking pictures throughout the school day? Well, during the MECT13 conference, one of Ken Shelton’s break-out sessions focused on Visual Storytelling; he referenced “Project 365”. Ken challenged us to take one picture a day for 365 days, and then at the end of the year we would have 365 “original pictures” to use in presentations, to send out to students and staff, or to chronicle the year. So in taking this to heart, I began my journey with Project 365.

What I’ve learned is that I have been able to “capture” students and staff literally “in the moment” of learning. This is very exciting! My challenge to you is to do the same… Keep me posted on your progress!

Thanksgiving in May…

It is during this time of the year when I reflect, give thanks, and share the great things that are happening at school. I am blessed to be working in such an incredibly compassionate and benevolent school. This time of year can be hurried, rushed, and frantic, which often creates anxiety and angst for everyone. However as we end the school year at Francis Howell Middle, we've set aside time to celebrate and give thanks.

Earlier this month the #TMSHawkchat (Timberview Middle School in Keller, TX) topic was “Why do we need to celebration and end the year on a positive note?” I mention this as it is evident that schools across the nation take time near the end of the school year to celebrate the great things that happened during the school year.  It is vital that we celebrate and end our school year in an affirmative manner.  

Thursday (May 23^rd) we celebrated the school year with our students, staff, and families. A day-long event which included team activities, an extended lunch (with Kona Ice), grade level celebration assemblies, and an All-School Celebration Assembly that culminated in a Flash Mob (compliments of our Drama Teacher Mrs. G.). It was truly a wonderful way to spend the day at school.

Today (May 28^th) after the school day concludes we will celebrate with staff and friends. We will honor our colleagues who will be concluding their educational careers and beginning a new and exciting time during their retirement years.  To Cheryl B., Keiren G., Kay W., and Molly L.– thank you for giving of your time, energy, creativity and countless hours to make a difference in the lives of our students throughout the years! We will miss your leadership presence here at Francis Howell Middle.

So even though it is still six months until Thanksgiving, it is always a good time of the year to stop and give thanks. I am so thankful for the incredible staff of teachers we have a FHMS. I am thankful for the dedicated parents who are involved in the lives of their children and our school as volunteers. I am thankful for the great students we have here at FHMS – as they truly know how to lead the way.  It’s a great day and a great year to be a Junior Viking! Happy Thanksgiving everyone. So, what are you thankful for?

Do PLNs really work?

It continues to amaze me as to “how powerful” the twitterverse can be. We often take for granted the scope of its impact as we skim, scan, and scurry through our tweets, retweets, and favorites. Just last night, during the #moedchat on Multi-tasking, I was looking at my Evernote app and I was trying to figure out “What’s all the hype over Evernote and this little green app?” Back in February I attended METC13 and learned about the amazing benefits of Evernote (among several other excellent apps, programs, and devices).  So, I jumped in on the Evernote bandwagon.

Today, nearly three months after first taking on the task of discovering and working to understand the mystique and magic of Evernote, I am still baffled about its popularity. Well, who comes to my rescue? My PLN of course. I posed an off the topic question (as I was multitasking during the chat), to see if anyone could help me with Evernote. Instantaneously several members of my cohort jumped in with advise, suggestions, and ideas for me to implement. One colleague quickly posted a link for LiveBinders on Evernote tutorials (ow.ly/kT74h).  It was even suggested that we start an “Evernote user group”. Excellent idea. Can’t wait.

Only via Social Media can you get such depth and breadth of energy, enthusiasm, and mentoring. In the span of just over an hour, colleagues from across Missouri and the country gathered to share ideas. My big “take away” tonight is… “I can rely on my PLN to help me with a question, topic, or issue. I can learn from my colleagues no matter where they are (in MO or across the US).

Yes, PLNs work for me. Do they work for you?  

Diet Coke and a strawberry Pop Tart...

Vices or habits often control, lead, and/or dictate how we run our lives…However, these habits or idiosyncrasies truly are just a part of our daily routine. We rarely give it much thought (as I stop to take a drink of my diet coke) as to when or how often the habit weaves itself into the fabric of our day. For me two things that "help me out" include my diet coke and strawberry Pop Tart (unfrosted).

I often think of the habits we have and also those habits of our students (Especially the ones we’d like to see fall to wayside). If we ask our students to change a habit that we perceive as one that impacts their school day, remember it takes a while to change or eliminate a habit. Remember, if you do decide to break or change one of your habits it takes 30 days to change, break, or begin a new habit. So when encouraging our students to make a change, they too need that time to make the transition into a new habit or behavior.

If you really want to consider eliminating the habit or vice, consider the following:

1.      Determine if you can go through the day without the vice or habit,

2.      Does it have any negative effects or impacts on your life?

3.      What can replace it in a healthy positive way?

Gotta go, its early morning and I need my diet coke and strawberry Pop Tart… What helps you get through the day?

Facing Our Giants

Just as Coach Grant Taylor and the Shiloh Eagles football team in the movie Facing the Giants confronted their modern day Goliath, our students often struggle with “giants”- imposing upon and impacting their lives each day of school. From home, to friends, to social media, to school, they often face issues that simply “get in their way” of enjoying school and life. Knowing this, it is important that we “meet them where they are” and provide a support system to help them while they are with us at school.

Often just by knowing that there is a caring adult nearby to listen to them, our students find this comforting; it is an added assurance that “things will be ok”. In working to help our students to be successful, here are three steps you can implement to help them in this process:
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Maintain Open Channels of Communication with your students (and colleagues):  Communication is the key and this helps your students understand that you want to stay “connected” with them. Talk with them about their interests, likes, and goals. Showing a sincere interest in your students will create a positive bond with them. Keep the “team” in the loop, as colleagues may have additional insight in to ways to help. Also, keep channels of communication open with parents, since they can provide information that is beneficial to their child’s welfare.

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Home Base: Establish a Home Room setting where students can touch base with a specific teacher throughout the year. This creates a “safe” zone of comfort for the student. We’ve established the Character Connection Class that addresses the Home Base factor (see March 6, 2013 Blog Post: Character Connection Class…Building Relationships in a place to call “Home”). This is more than a home room or Academic Lab, it is a scheduled time for a small group of students to meet with a specific teacher on a regular or semi-regular basis.

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Watch for Signs of Change: In the event you see a change in behavior, attendance, social groups, or appearance, make contact with the counselor, parent, and grade level administrator. Changes in these key areas are often signs which signal a concern for the child. Always follow up with the counselor and administrator to check on the student’s progress.

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We all want what is best for our students, and often they need us for support and assistance far more often than they will admit. Knowing that they have us in their “corner” always helps. Taking proactive steps to create a positive and conducive learning atmosphere is best for all students. Tackling the 21^st century Goliath will help our students become productive citizens both in school and in the greater community! Make it a great day - the choice is up to you!