Understanding and Responding to the Larger Societal Context
A leader understands and appropriately responds to the political, social, economic, legal and cultural contexts impacting schools and the school authority.
Leading in a New World
In a building with over 300 students and 50 staff members, there are a lot of moving pieces. Keeping all staff informed in a timely manner is essential. As the COVID-19 pandemic has emerged, I have had to be very purposeful and organized in my communication. In this situation, my Assistant Principal and I participate in conference calls with our district Office, we then connect by phone to discuss our key takeaways. This allows us to solidify our thoughts, concerns, and anticipate staff questions and concerns. We then work in a common document that will become our staff communication. In others areas of school management we have had informal conversations and written emails together. In this situation we have formalized our communication with staff to ensure we have as much comprehension and consistency as possible. With so much uncertainty and so many unknowns, we have found this increased formality has lessened our staffs' worries.
In addition to letters and Swift Announcement to our parents and guardians we have also been using Facebook and Instagram to keep our families informed and connected. We began to use these tools earlier in the school year as a means of connecting in a fun and lighthearted manner about all the incredible events at our school. In recent days it has taken a more serious tone. We plan to continue to use these Social Media platforms in coming months to continue to connect and build relationships with our community.
In addition to letters and Swift Announcement to our parents and guardians we have also been using Facebook and Instagram to keep our families informed and connected. We began to use these tools earlier in the school year as a means of connecting in a fun and lighthearted manner about all the incredible events at our school. In recent days it has taken a more serious tone. We plan to continue to use these Social Media platforms in coming months to continue to connect and build relationships with our community.
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Relationships
The foundation of all the programs I help with and direct is always relationships. Working with students and seeing them as individuals that contribute to the school culture as a whole is key. As adults, we have the opportunity to impact so much more than the academics in their lives.
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For our mental health week, staff hosted groups of students and shared what they do in their personal lives for self care. I worked with students to explore their creative side. We created Mandala rocks.
Our grade 6 team had Zed Science come to the school and present as a kick off to their second Project Based Learning cycle. I had the opportunity to participate in a science demonstration by eating the frozen marshmallows.
Celebrating student success at all levels. This young man was so happy to have finished his eagle and came to my office to share. It was a perfect opportunity to take a picture and celebrate.
Transitions to Grade 4 and 7
To assist our students transition from grade 3 to grade 4 and from grade 6 to grade 7, we spend a lot of time working with Iron Ridge Elementary Campus (IREC) and Iron Ridge Junior Campus (IRJC) to prepare our students and the receiving teachers. Our grade 6s go to IRJC for their talent show in the spring and they travel to their campus for a tour in June. We arrange for smaller groups to visit IRJC for additional tours with their parents and in small groups with the school Inclusion Coach.
To welcome our incoming grade 4 students, we visit IREC and present to each classroom. We show them pictures of our school and key staff and answer their questions. We work with the grade 4 team to host an open house to allow students and their parents to visit the school.
To welcome our incoming grade 4 students, we visit IREC and present to each classroom. We show them pictures of our school and key staff and answer their questions. We work with the grade 4 team to host an open house to allow students and their parents to visit the school.
Winter Dance
In the spirit and fellowship, our school holds a family dance in mid-December. We ask families to bring donations to the food bank or a plate of baking to share. Students and siblings have a wonderful time dancing in the gym and parents have a chance to visit and talk in the gathering area.
Community Feedback
In the fall of 2018, we received our first full Annual Education Results Report (AERR). While the information in the report was valuable and helped guide some of our planning we had more questions we wanted answered. I created a google form to survey our parents and posted it on our web page. I also had the survey and Chromebooks ready for parents during the fall parent conferences. The additional information helped to clarify some of the AERR data and allowed us to further refine our planning.
