Oct 30 2006

The prevailing theme for our school seems to continue to be our struggles with Math. As I am visiting classrooms, I see the frustration on the faces of some of our students as they struggle with the "new" math. I say new, because students today are required to know more than basic facts. Not only must they answer the "what," they must answer "why"! So many variable go into teaching math. Our teachers have a tremendous responsibility, one that often times goes un-rewarded, but they continue to teach. I am realizing daily that my major focus or task should be visiting and monitoring instruction. As a leader, it is my job to ensure that our teachers remain focused on the task of teaching our students. Also, we must monitor and adjust our instruction where needed.
The subject of departmentalization has been circulated among the staff. As I think on that subject I have my doubts. Departmentalization can work, however I believe the elementary setting is where those personal relationships are formed. When students are contained in one classroom, with one teacher they are able to watch the formation of the child. Students enter one way in August and leave in May a totally different child. Departmentalizing would hinder the effectiveness of the teacher with that growth. Academically, I think it would work if you had the right teacher. A teacher who is strong in Math should be tasked with teaching math. This is an issue I will continue to monitor.

October 23, 2006

Last week ended on a good note. Our 5th grade students participated in a Science competition at one of our local high schools. They were competing against other 5th grade students in areas such as Science vocabulary and Science measurement. Overall, our students won 2nd place. I was happy for them, and proud that they represented our school well. We still have work to do if we plan to reach Exemplary. We are in the 2nd week of the 2nd 9 week grading period. Our focus continues to be in the area of Math, but we are making gains. A preliminary study of our Interim test data shows marked improvement in basic math, which is a prerequisite if our students are to master higher math skills.

I have about 3 books on my reading table right now. Two of them are on the subject of school leadership. The theme or the recommendation all the authors list are the key to effective leadership is monitoring. In this case- being in the classroom. That is the only way you are going to know what is going on, see which teachers are teaching and which need help. It is imperative that I not get bogged down with the non-instructional things and stay in the classrooms. Today, unfortunatley I didn't visit a single classroom. After meeting with my administrative team it seems like the day just flew by. I cannot afford to let that happen. I know we can achieve academically, but I must be the catalyst to monitor and adjust whenever the situation warrants, and the only way I can fully know the situations is to be on the front lines--in the classroom!.

Oct 16

Today is the 11th anniversary of the Million Man March. This event took place in 1995 in Washington D.C. and I was blessed to have been in attendance. That day we took a pledge to support our communities. Being an educator has allowed me to fulfill that pledge everyday.

We just finished the 1st 9 week grading period. It seems like it took forever, but we made it through. Our teachers worked tirelessly to improve student academic performance and it has begun to show. Since our focus this year is in the area of Math, we intentionally gave extra emphasis and time to that subject. We will begin tutoring this week. Our plan is to start with very small groups and build from there. It is our belief that our children who are struggling the most need that extra attention. We will start small and build our tutoring groups from there.

My first 9 weeks as a Principal were very intense. The performance of my school is on my mind daily. Since I don't have an assistant, it is vital that I have competent personnel working for me. I feel lucky to have such competent teachers. Although they are bogged down with the daily pressures of teaching, they still manage to attend to non-instructional duties as well. They plan academic competitions, carnivals and many other programs not directly related to their classroom. This 9 week grading period, with intense instruction and methodical planning should further propel us to Exemplary.

October 9

The past week has been full of surprises good and not so good. For starters, I lost two very good teachers. They both had health issues, so they had to do what was best for them. I will miss them both. Its funny how things work out. I just happened to have 2 very good substitutes who have been doing an amazing job of keeping things together. I feel very fortunate thus far. We have decided to departmentalize one of our grade levels during the 2nd semester. As I have been talking to students and helping them set TAKS goals, I've come to the realization that we have very good students. I know we all say that, but actually talking to students individually has given me insight that I would not have otherwise. I have met with all 4th grade students and learned that they have the capability to pass the TAKS or any other expectation we place before them. I'm actually looking forward to the test in 2007. Since I have been meeting with students I haven't visited as many classrooms, but visiting classrooms daily remains a top priority. This week is a short week, but I will complete my interviews with 3rd and 5th grade by Wednesday and return to my classroom visits.

Being a principal requires so much more than being an instructional leader. Many times you have to mediate between parents and the community. You are looked at as the authority in education in your community. If the principal says it, then it must be true! I often laugh at myself when I think of all the things I am required to be by default. I think about my childhood and how I would run the streets with my friends. We played ball, chased girls, and stayed out as late as we could. I even occasionaly got into trouble in school, however I was never a "problem" child. The "board of education" was the final authority in my school. Still, its funny to know that you can never give up on a child just by looking at them. If I can make it, I really know that anybody can.

Welcome to Fall

The week's are coming and going faster than I count them. Last week we gave our first series of benchmark exams in all subject areas. The results show that we still have some work to do in the area of Math. However, my teachers were pleasantly surprised that our students scored fairly well in Reading and Writing. We will continue to administer these exams every 3 weeks, followed by our district interim tests. Coming up in October we will also begin our tutoring groups. I know it seems rather late to be starting to tutor, however forces outside our control, but issues which must be dealt with, prevented us from begininning sooner.

So far the year is progressing fairly well. I was surprised at the lack of technology available to teachers and students on our campus. I would consider my district very pro-technology. We utilize some of the most cutting edge software programs to track attendance, grades and every aspect of student development. Software programs such as these require teachers to have the latest in hardware and software. Most of my teachers were using Win98 machines, but they were getting the job done! I can't say enough about their efforts. My district offers technology enhancement funds to the schools. This program matches computer purchases with individual campus'. Since none of my teachers were using the latest Operating System, I had to purchase computers. With a small budget it was difficult to do, however we managed to order 9 computers, we are being matched with 7, so at least 16 of my 21 teachers will receive new computers. Its a start!

Take a look at some of the projects our students are doing and posting on their bulletin boards.