Digital+Camera



Date: November 30, 2009

Description:

This year we have really tried to accentuate "the green" (proficiency on MSA and positive behavior). We have a school wide discipline plan. The teachers used the behavior card chart to manage classroom behavior. The expectation was for students to remain on green. In celebration, the students were invited to various activities throughout the school year. The criteria was for students to stay on green for 15 instructional days within a month. Days were adjusted based on the actual instructional days in a month.

This photo story highlights a celebration we had in November. Many students were excited to have lunch with the principal at "Le Cafe". I enjoyed the fellowship with the students and providing these students with the positive attention they deserve for coming to school most days demonstrating respect, responsibility,honesty and safety.

I decided to showcase this particular aspect of our school because we have worked hard to create a positive climate. A climate that focuses on positive behavior and attempts to rechannel negative actions. Students have demonstrated this year that they truly understand the difference between right and wrong and more students are making better choices.

Our suspensions are down and participation in our monthly incentive programs are increasing. In April, I challenged the school to have 100 students participate in our ice cream social. We reached our goal. I am excited about the possibilities of change in our student's behavior and our teacher's outlooks. I hope you enjoy our photo story. It is truly an inspiration to me as we, the Thomas Claggett Eagles continue to "GO for Green".

So excited!!!

media type="custom" key="6119587" align="center"

Reflection:

Many times I begged my team to QUIT. My team pushed me to face my technological fears. They pushed me to persevere. Making the meetings were hard, although once there I enjoyed the learning. It was difficult to support my team's efforts as a single administrator. This meant my being a part of this program as well as continuing to meet the strenuous deadlines as a school principal.

I realized the importance of becoming more technologically proficient. I understood the goals of the program and the urgency of bringing technology to the forefront in our classrooms. In order to monitor the effective use of technology, I must be able to offer insight and feedback. These workshops and the practice has given me a point of reference. Now when I go into classrooms and suggest that more technology is used to increase academic achievement, I have ideas and suggestions on how they can accomplish this task.

As an instructional leader is it important to set examples and to be willing to take the same risks (if not more) that you expect of your staff and students. This was a challenge for me and being able to say it is completed and that I have learned some valuable lessons is rewarding.

I still have to review the directions on how to do certain things, but now I have the resources and a team to help me in these endeavors. I wish I could use these skills more often so that they may become embedded in my daily living. I am sure that as I continue to learn and practice that things will get easier.

I am looking forward to the team branching out and pulling other staff members on board. My vision is to have students proficient in the wonderful sites and activities we have learned. Then the students can teach their parents and we will continue to grow our knowledge.

I am thankful for this opportunity. Again, the commitment was difficult but the payoff was plentiful !