Continuation

We have had an extremely difficult week with the sudden passing of one of our grade twelve students. It is so shocking and it is with such sadness with which I write this. I have been hoping and praying that our staff and students find comfort with each other. Thank you to the many people who have sent their words and gifts of comfort.

Holidays

I have been enjoying my Easter holidays, and I am presently in Minot with my daughter and my mother. My mom decided that we should take a little holiday and since my husband has to work and my son is golfing it up in Utah, I thought why not? We are going to do some shopping and some swimming today, so how does it get any better?

The school year has been going by so quickly and I am feeling mixed emotions. I am a little sad that my boy is graduating will be moving away to school, but yet I am so very excited for him. He did very well on his SAT's and he has opportunities to head to the states on academic and athletic scholarships which is his dream. I am also quite excited that my first year as principal is almost over because I have learned tremendously and just like the first time you try anything, you just know that you will be much better the next time. In addition, I was feeling such grief 0ver the loss of my brother through most of the year, I know that I completed many tasks with only a small percentage of my being.

Blogging

On Friday, I was sharing blogging techniques with some of my staff. We discussed different methods of blogging/web pages. Some of the staff thought that maybe we should use our school web page to build their classroom blogs/pages, but they didn't want to put pressure on the rest of the teachers to have to have one. Some teachers would have no problem keeping up a blog/web page, but others would. I think that we are going to use links; I plan on helping some of them create their first few posts on their blog.

Social Software

My grade nine students finished their presentations of the advantages and disadvantages of using social software, specifically Facebook, before Christmas. Some of them uploaded their finished presentations onto Slide Share. Basically most of them really didn't care whether it was allowed at school or not. There were two or three that felt strongly that they should be able to access it at school, mainly because they didn't have high speed internet at home. There were a few more that felt that it should not be allowed at school, and most of these reasons included the inappropriate language and alcohol pictures. Some felt that it has become a huge popularity contest, where some kids were just not allowed to be a part of the Network. This I found interesting; it was something that I had not thought alot about until we started the project. The rest of the class really didn't care one way or another; they could understand why it might be blocked and since then the issue has resolved itself. I had asked our School Division to block it and since then it has been blocked off and on. Most of them don't try to use it, and I have told them very cleary that they have signed an acceptable use agreement.

Over the past month or so, I have heard of a few businesses, some very large, who have blocked Facebook from their employees. Some students have said that there are places at work who are not allowing the use of cell phones at work or there will be suspensions.

Interesting...

More on Facebook

I am having my grade nine computer class complete a webquest on social networking. They have to create a presentation/debate for the class on their opinion as to whether or not social networking sites should be allowed or banned within the classroom. I can see already that some have conflicting opinions. I think that most students think that all of the sites are harmless, but they have to take on the perspective of different groups of stakeholders including parents, educators and even online predators. Once they have researched various sites and perspectives on social networking, they have to take a stand. The next step is to create a presentation which includes some technological presentation. I am in the process of creating a rubric to guide the student outcome.

I used the following webquest site to get started: http://www.webquest.org/questgarden/lessons/37465-061009195036/index.htm

I have temporarily blocked facebook to motivate; perhaps that was a bit drastic, but I wanted to get their attention.

Social Networking

Facebook continues to grow in popularity with the kids at my school. I think that most kids from 7-10, have a profile.

I started using facebook a couple of months, and I quite enjoyed connecting with some of my friends and relatives, the ones that I usually don't get a chance to see or to talk to on a regular bases. Connecting with people and socializing is critical; the Internet can't replace those f2f relationships, but this tool is powerful in keeping connections alive.

I encourage my students and my children to use the tool appropriately. Don't let it replace the f2f relationships. Rather, use it to nurture and even create some relationships. For some kids, it can give them some confidence in beginning a "converstation", but hopefully they don't become reliant on a tool to maintain or begin f2f relationship.

Administration

I have now been in my new role as Principal for a couple of weeks and things seem to running well. I only get to teach Grade Nine Computer Class which is great, but I'm not supposed to teach at all. I know that I will really miss teaching English. I am presently showing my Grade Nine class my blog, so that we can create some class blogs together. I haven't decided if they will create blogs with a partner, or with a small group. We have spent some time discussing privacy and confidentiality issues in relationship to Facebook and personal blogs.

They are also working on creating tables using WORD as well as Movies/Power Point biographies. We plan to spend time this year working on Podcasts, Spreadsheets and Publisher.

Welcome

Another new school year is just beginning. I am excited to begin my new role as Principal; I think that there will be many new challenges and rewards in this new position, and after working as Vice-Principal for several years, I think I ready...

I had a very difficult summer, so I am looking forward to returning to work. I'm anxious to be immersed into the daily routine of so many great kids and staff! I took some time off of blogging and many other of my regular activities, so it feels good to be back to some routine.

Change

I definitely agree with Chris Hitch when he states that change is difficult and it doesn't always bring out the best in the people, myself included. I am finding these last couple of weeks of the school year to be very difficult. I am trying hard to be positive, to focus on the good, and to believe that change can be good. I know we'll be OK. I know that I will always continue to try to do the best that I can. I want to work hard for my staff, students and parents with my IT constructivist goals and all, but transitioning can very tough...

Great Moment

Today was one of the busiest days of the year; I was trying to organize teaching assignments for next year speaking to teachers to ask for some input. Of course, I couldn't make everyone jump up for joy. I should actually do a tally, because my husband tells me that I tend to spend too much of my time worrying about the one or two that are not happy. He continually reminds me that they would be unhappy with our without me in their life. I guess I know this, but there is just something inside me that wants to just do the best that I can do. Ok, I've done that. That actually felt pretty good to say . Who knew it would feel good?

Ok, the tally - There was one teacher who wanted to hug me; she actually was going to - I should have.. Another teacher whom I only spent two or three minutes with - she was happy. Ok, another was very pleased. One more really surprised my and worked even harder with her assignment. One was ok, a bit confused, but good in the end. Another five or so were fine. Two were not at all happy - one somewhat got over it. Another was very distraught... Actually 12 out of 14 is pretty good... Could it have been better? I don't know how and I thought about it for quite awhile.

Anyway, this afternoon I was walking towards the staff room and one of the grade eleven girls stopped me to ask me if she could help. She said that I looked tired and she wanted to helpme with whatever I was doing. I told her that there really wasn't anything that she could do. What a doll. One day, I hope my son marries her; one can wish... It was a good moment. What sweet kids; I am trying hard to find a twin community for our exchange. Youth Exchanges Canada has approved our trip, but they have been unable to find a twin community. Hopefully we will find one before the end of September.

Smart Boards

I attended an excellent workshop last night on the use of Smart Boards. I was very impressed and now I want one; I hadn't ever seen one "in action" before. There is some great potential for collaborative learning, exciting lessons, manipulatives, and student motivation. This type of instruction fits more readily into our kids' lives: instant images, choices, video, sounds,.. I was very impressed with some of the interactive lessons, and especially the Jeopardy templates.

M. Gavel did an excellent job, and she is inviting discussion on the use of Smart Boards on her blog. Of course, I can't participate much because I don't use one, but I'm going to see if I can find one... I would love to have one in my class, but I keep purposefully forgetting that I really won't have a class in the fall. I'm going to ask my teachers who wants to work with me to learn this new technology.

Countdown

I am working on the last two weeks of my Masters' Degree, and I have made a time line. It will be a busy two weeks with a thirty page paper to do; I do have a pretty good start but it will take the next seven days of working long hours after school to complete. In addition, I have to create a presentation, but that won't take long once the paper is complete.

With school coming to a close, there is still so much to do at my school: finalizing staffing, grade configurations and course offerings. We are behind this year, because we are waiting to see how many new students we will be getting as a result of school closures. Hopefully we can finalize this in the next week to ten days.

Lots to do...

Support

I am thankful for the support from colleagues. I am away for the weekend to attend the Provincial Mine Rescue Competition in Saskatoon; I had the day planned for quite awhile, but I am glad it came now.

The weekend will be somber because one mine team scheduled to compete will not be coming to the competition. Instead they are continuing their rescue mission of one lost gold miner. The Seabee Mine is located just north of La Ronge, and I think they are into their third day of trying to rescue one young miner.

I'm going to relax for a couple of days, and then get back at my seminar paper next week...

Busy or Crazy

I think I am forgetting who I am...

In the last few days I have had:
- my life threatened - and I am pressing charges
- organize and hold an open house today, because a neighbouring school has closed down. We want to to make them feel welcome and accepted if they choose to come to our school.
- I have driven 4 hours to go to a University class (last night)
- to submit an assignment for my class
- working on a 20-30 page seminar report
- creating a staff survey
- to attend two evening meetings - one I just came home from where I created a presentation about our school
- I could go on and on - but I still feel hestitant over sharing all of my thoughts with the world. I do plan on writing a book one day to tell all of the things in my life, but not yet. My life is still tied precariously to others.
- not to mention - teaching half time - OK- that attempt was poor today
- I have to write a math test for Friday
- and my kids - one has a music recital tomorrow night

Not Many More Sleeps...

This is proving to be one of the most difficult times of my career. I am taking over the role of Principal , which of course has not officially started, and I am trying to finish my last University class. I feel anxious, excited, nervous, overworked and definetly underpaid. I think I should start up a business; I think I should take a couple of courses in computer science and learn more about languages and software development. One of my brother works as a Computer System Analyst for SED systems in Saskatoon, and he is an amazing guy. He and I could work on a few projects together. I think that what we need is more CAI which delineates best pratices and which aligns with the curriculum. After teaching for nineteen years in so many different subject areas, I think it would be a fantastic challenge. I'm going to do some collaborating with a few people over the summer...

Professional Development and IT

Does Technology Really Change Education?

I believe it can, but professional development is necessary. Teachers, must understand constructivist pedagogy, and how it applies to education. They need to understand that IT can be a powerful tool to support this paradigm shift in education. Karen Henderson's Beyond the Mouse and Modem 2006 results show that only 13% of all educators completed the survey. I was disappointed with this turn-out. How many of the 87% of teachers who did not complete the survey are IT illiterate? How many educators chose not to complete the survey? How many may have started the survey and quit? Were there some who did not know about the survey? I encouraged my staff to complete the survey, but I'm not sure if they all did.

I have been thinking about embedding curriculum consulting. Would the best consulting practice be half time teaching and half time consulting? If I taught ELA and SS for half of the day and had the other half day for working with teachers on my staff and teachers on a few other staffs. There seems to be evidence to support that peer tutoring/teaching is very effective. I could be sharing my ELA unit activities/lessons/assessments with the teachers as I/we use them.

Cathy

Attendance

I have spent a tremendous amount of time mulling over student attendance, particularly with the grade eleven and twelve students. I need some advice. I would really like to know what types of policies are in place in other schools. What are the steps/procedures and what are the consequences? My own son is in grade eleven and his attendance is very good. Obviously one of the contributing factors of this is me.

There are many other parents who feel that their children need to begin to make their own choices in grade eleven or twelve when it comes to attendance, studying and behavior, and I do agree with this. However, many parents will phone the school and simply inform us that their child will not be coming to school in the afternoon or day, or the parent will phone the next day and say that their child had a doctor appointment, I just forgot. I believe that in many cases, this is simply a method for the parent to avoid a fight with their child, and parents may assume that natural consequences will prevail. If their child does not attend regularly, their chances of success are greatly diminished. The conflict that I am having is that the odd parent will not create an alibi for their child and therefore these children receive consequences. I realize that I can't control this, but will the "diligent" parent continue to be diligent regardless of school consequences? I feel that there are probably only about 20% of the students receiving consequences for their "absenteeism's" and these are the ones who do not really need it.

Any advice??

Embedding Professional Development

Today was a good day. Some of our elementary and middle years' teachers attending a math workshop in our school. Our math curriculum consultant and guest came to our school to provide this workshop. I spoke briefly with one of the teachers after school today, and I she seemed excited about the morning. Most of our staff is participating in a Math PLC and I think that we have made some progress. It makes far more sense to target our needs within the school, design a plan together, implement the plan and then reflect on our progress.

I would like to see us continue with this PLC and I would also like to see a tech PLC developed. We have a few experts in our school, who could lead workshops to our teachers. It makes sense and its economical.

On another note... Last fall, we implemented a Pre-K program in our school, and even though we had many reservations upon entering into this new plan, I think we have all agreed it has been a success and a great addition to our school. Currently, there are discussions and plans around implementing a day care program within our school and it is planned to begin this fall. This program will not only help the working families of our community, but it could also benefit many others. For example, we have run a few adult programs in our school in the evening. The day care facility could provide service during these particular times to help facilitate adult learning. I am sure that there may be a few concerns and/or gliches with this new plan, but there are usually a few growing pains with anything new.

Busy Day

I just finished my post for Leader Talk about all of the things which are on my mind: I just can't decide about continuing my education with a doctoral degree. I think I have decided that I will apply for February 2008. I feel like I am making to many selfish decisions; my family has made many sacrifices because I am continuing my education, but I just feel this need to continue.

I have lots of homework to do this weekend - read a book and write a 500 word summary. I guess I'll do that tomorrow; I'll take my laptop outside and enjoy a little sunshine.

Responsible Technology

We need to teach students to be responsible citizens when it comes to the use of technology. Students need to understand courtesy, respect and responsibility. If a teacher asks a student to close his laptop or turn off his calculator, then he should do so out of courtesy and respect. There may be several reasons why a teacher asks a student to follow these directions that may or may not be explained. The teacher needs to be respectful and firm. If a teacher asks a student to create a pseudonym for a classroom blog, then a student should do so. The teacher should explain issues of privacy and respect. I have started another student blog about Shakespeare with my ELA 9 class, and we have spent some time discussing respect and privacy. We have created “user names” and we are working on our fist trial posts. Today I asked my students to comment on the postings of other students. We discussed what and how. One of the students asked if they should point out spelling/grammar errors to their fellow classmates. There were several suggestions, and we have decided that the best way to correct our peers is through modeling. For example if one student notices that every possessive apostrophe is missing in a post. Rather than focusing on this, it was best to model the appropriate use through a reflective comment. All of the students agreed that this might be the best method. We are going to experiment with this. I am currently teaching one class about the use of wikis. They have not “joined” my space, but I have provided the website. Almost immediately we had an issue with names being erased as we tried out the editing. At first I thought that the names were being erased on purpose, but this was not completely the case. There was one name erased on purpose, but the kids are willing to help me solve this issue. This is an example of bullying, and it is an issue that surfaces once in awhile with this group of students. I would like to say that things are now all rosy, but it is an ongoing issue. I feel less confident with some of the younger students with regards to security and respect with regards to some of the technological applications including blogging. This must become a priority.