Monday Points: January 21, 2013

Happy MLK Day! I trust you are at home relaxing this Monday. This week a colleague from your leadership team will contribute to our Monday Points note. Katy Stone is your HEA Rep, Leadership Team Member and has been a teacher at New Start for nearly six years.  Today she is our guest writer…

Monday Points by Katy Stone

Celebration Point:

Two weeks ago, as we returned from the winter break, a student who graduated last from New Start came by to see some of the teachers.  Sebastian S. came to touch base with us, to let us know what he is doing now, and to thank us for working with him and believing in him.  He is now working with Job Corps and learning the construction trade.  What a difference 6 months had made in the confidence and self-assurance of this young man. 

Sebastian came in twice that week to talk with those of us who had worked with him.  He repeatedly thanked us for the help that some of us gave him directly and to the school overall for being there for kids like him. He talked about the teachers who worked with him and never gave up on him.  He said he wouldn’t be where he is today if it not been for New Start. Sebastian is an example of WHY we do what we do.

Instructional Point:

Last week at the New Start staff meeting, 2 educators involved with the Washington Student Oral Histories Project shared with us about some preliminary results of a study they are doing with at-risk youth and their experiences that influence whether or not they stay in school. One of their key points was Academic Mindsets.  That was defined as “a collection of student beliefs, attitudes, and perceptions about learning, their abilities, and about school.”

The educators spoke of the importance of recognizing student mindsets and all that they bring with them to the classroom from previous school experiences to life issues and experiences. Their website (www.wsohp.org) had some interesting information.  Three points that stood out were 1.) “classroom conditions can powerfully influence students’ mindsets”, 2.) at the secondary level, all need to be aware of the social and emotional context where learning is taking place, and 3.) the value of connections with caring teachers.  It is important for everyone on a school staff to show interest and support for all students, including those students who may seem to not be interested. 

These points underlie what we are doing in our Alt Ed programs. It is more than just what and how we teach. It is about knowing our students and their strengths and needs.

Data Points:

The most important data source for me in working with students is some of the information all of us have access to on eSIS.  I work with many students doing academic contracts to gain needed credits.  I also work closely with many seniors who need to be thoughtful about every credit they take.  Students need and want to know where they stand and what they need to take for classes and/or contracts.  The Student Diploma Screen and the Transcript screens are tools I use daily to guide students.  In addition, these spots can give the advisor information about tests met and other requirements towards graduation.  We have done a good job of teaching our students how to monitor their credits and take responsibility for knowing where they stand.  We need to remember to train our newer students those same tools.  For anyone who is unsure of how to access these sites, please let me know and I would be glad to show you.

Another site on eSIS that is helpful is the attendance summary.  You can get a good picture of what is happening everyday that affects their in class time and why they may not be passing a class. This is very helpful when talking with students. 

Miscellaneous Point

Congratulations to all on successfully reaching the midpoint of our school year.  The second half of the school year always seems to fly by as we head towards HSPE testing in March, senior projects in early May, EOC testing for Math and Science in May, and finally graduation in June.  How many will we have graduate this year?

Have a great second semester everyone. – Katy Stone

Thank you Katy.

PCT Point this Week. January 25, 2013. This Friday we will continue our collaboration on ELL at New Start. Our Facilitator, Stephanie Forman, will show us how to implement some of the more challenging sections of the handbook we have identified. Last week I sent out a quick survey to help us plan for this PCT. CHOICE you are on your own this Friday. HIPP you are welcome to join us as this work may be applicable to you!

Mike’s Schedule:

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
Jan 21	Jan 22	Jan 23	Jan 24	Jan 25
MLK Day No Classes	District Strategic Planning (All Day at ERAC) Guest Speak SPU	District Strategic Planning (All Day at ERAC) School Board Meeting	LA Data Team Observation Host Guest Principal at New Start In Classrooms Monitor Southwest Mid Year Meetings M/Counselor CHOICE Open House	Mid Year Meetings Administrative Weekly PCT: ELL Mid Year Meetings Principal Social

 

So we are off to Session 4 at New Start, and Semester 2 at CHOICE. May I wish you a smooth start to the second half of our school year, and have a great week!

Mike