Bravo Zulu! This week I want to fly a huge Bravo Zulu to Bruce Dearborn at HIPP. In the recesses of the Woodside campus, and at the heart of all our work, Bruce has been doing incredible work that is largely unseen, yet highly successful at keeping students engaged with school. I will not describe the entirety of the Highline Interim Placement Program (AKA HIPP) here, other than to say Bruce is the engine which continues to drive and grow our academic services to kids. At a time of incredible growth and resource challenges, HIPP continues on, muscles through, serving students and almost every secondary school and program in our district, in some significant way. HIPP is quickly becoming a point of pride in our district, and indeed looked to across the state. In the last few weeks Bruce’s program has enrolled and served over 75 students who would otherwise be on the streets…and that is quite a caseload to go unnoticed! Yet, many of us HAVE seen the commitment and dedication Bruce demonstrates every day…and yes, help is on the way to be sure! But getting to this point, when administrative support and resources have been extremely thin, Bruce refused to crumble. Undeterred by expected frustrations, Bruce and HIPP march proudly ahead…and for that alone he deserves a high and mighty Bravo Zulu for excellent perseverance and service to all. Thank you, Bruce!
Instructional Point: SLCs: A Student’s Moment in the Sun.
Student Led Conferences are as much about learning as teaching is. As you embark on these wonderful sessions with students and families this week, please watch closely to see what your student has accomplished and the dedicated effort, they too, have put into their own academic experience. Watch for where they are struggling, and perhaps need more help from you. While SLCs, in part, are about student’s self-efficacy and growth, for you SLCs are perhaps the most informative assessment you will observe about what your student needs this year.
Student Led Conferences are a culture across our district, and so important on many levels for the child. Highline students begin this act in elementary and carry it through annually to graduation. In many respects the Senior Project, IS the culminating (and final) Student Led Conference in their time with us. Therefore all Student Led Conferences should be transformative and laden with the demonstrated learnings of the past, and a vision for the future. Look for it.
I cannot help but be touched when students (more and more each year) describe what they are learning, and what they intend to do this year. It is helpful for me to arrive at such conferences with a (quiet) lens of inquiry as to how I can help this child learn and grow. It puts my role in a student’s life into place, and I hope it does for you too.
Enter each Student Led Conference -- as should each student -- with an eye toward celebration and inspiration for moving ahead. Take them with the upmost sincerity and respect each deserves. You already do this, but it helps to be reminded from time to time as we often get burdened by the sheer logistics of scheduling and putting good conferences together.
This week’s point is a reminder that SLCs are much more than a basic verbal review of grades and credits remaining to graduate. They are a part of the student’s own narrative through life and learning. Enjoy and learn from each conference, for they are your student’s moment in the sun.
The Week Ahead…
Obviously a short week is ahead, with a well deserved four-day break for us all. Student Led Conferences are the sole focus of the week at both sites. If you have completed quality conferences with all students assigned to your advisory, please take a complimentary afternoon off Wednesday. If you need other arrangements please talk with me personally. More importantly perhaps, please enjoy our first nice holiday break of the season with family and friends. You deserve it.
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
New Start/CHOICE | New Start/CHOICE | New Start | OFF | OFF |
Nov 21 | Nov 22 | Nov 23 | Nov 24 | Nov 25 |
New Start SLCs CHOICE SLCs | New Start Office Attendant Interviews CHOICE SLCs | New Start SLCs | Thanksgiving Day | Thanksgiving Break |
Best wishes for a restful and relaxing break. Have a Happy Thanksgiving, eat well!
Mike
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