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!.