What is up at RJH?

So what have we been up to at RJH over the past several months? Well quite a few things as a matter of fact. We have been reviewing our implementation of the Learning Compact. What is the Learning Compact?

Below is the letter Dr. Cushing, my superintendent, wrote to then Commissioner Lionel Tracy in 2007 concerning the Follow the Child Initiative:

“Dr. Tracy, the reason our SAU finds the Follow the Child Growth Model so attractive in SAU #50, we look at the whole child. We talk about putting a face behind the numbers of standardized test scores. We are a small SAU that shares a common vision and our teachers and staffs support each other across district boundaries. SAU #50 would welcome the opportunity to take what we are currently doing to the next level. This would involve grounding our instruction in a whole child belief system, and not just measuring the child and the school on a standardized test.”

In our effort to embrace the “Follow the Child” initiative, we have created the Learning Compact. It is our attempt to connect students, parents and teachers in a partnership. There are three components to necessary in creating a successful partnership starting with the Student Information Form (filled out by teachers). This information form is filled out by the student’s teachers electronically to pass to the receiving team to help new teams differentiate their instruction. The Partnership with Parents Form (filled out by parents) is the second component of this compact. The Partnership with Parents form is sent out each summer solicits input from parents about their sons and daughters. The Goal Setting Process for students allows for students to outline their hopes and dreams in long term and short term goals. Goal Setting is done early in the school year when energy is high and goals are better to set. The research says that students reach those goals that they set for themselves when they write them down 85% of the time. So we have them write them down. The parent and the teacher work together to help support the student in reaching their goal. These three components all work together to bring the greatest success for students.

We have been doing various components of this since the onset of Learning Compact. This year we have been implementing the goal setting through our homeroom/advisory period. We have worked to communicate with parents their students goals. Though not perfect, we are making strides. Our Advisory Committee has been reviewing the year and making plans for the upcoming year. Stay tuned.

IPad

Just got a new iPad and it is quite a different technology for me. A little challenging in the typing area and certainly no place for the home position for your fingers. My high school typing teacher would not be happy. I wonder what her class looks like now?

Anyway, cool technology but we will see what new things it brings to my technology skill set.

Sunday Night

I know I am not the only one who cannot sleep on Sunday night. Now, it is after vacation and the sleep will come even harder. I will have a million things swirling around in my head and not be able to get them out during the wee hours of the morning. With seven weeks left in school, so much to do will only add to the struggle. I remember as a kid, the end of summer meant less sleep for me but the vacations do not stick out. Is that only an adult thing? How about a principal thing? Or is it a me thing?