I have to admit that many times I awaken at night thinking of topics that I need to pontificate about on this blog. Nine times out of ten, the idea that I consider brilliant at 2:00 AM is forgotten by the time my alarm goes off. Much of the next day can be spent trying to recall what exactly it was that was such a brilliant idea. The reality is, often times what I end up writing about comes at the suggestion of a parent or teacher. These suggestions are often much better than anything I can come up with on my own.
Collaboration between all of us is crucial to the well-being of our school. The other evening at our Parent Meeting, when I stated that I truly did not know how to remedy the problem of absentee parents from these mandatory meetings, I was genuine in my quandary. I know I can charge people who fail to show up, or continue to rewards those who do in some way, but that does not solve the root of the problem. My hope is that maybe a parent has a suggestion or idea that might help the problem.
More to the point, however, is my hope that parents would show up to our meetings because they find value in them. I understand that some times schedules dictate where we can and cannot be, and putting aside my multiple miscues and wise cracks to cover them up, I want parents to leave a meeting with a new perspective on something at the school, a pressing question answered, or a thought provoked. I never want to fill a meeting with useless information just for the sake of having a meeting. I want it to have relevance.
One thing I have learned over my years of education is that my concerns for the school do not always mirror parents' concerns. We view the school from different perspectives often times. This is why I always invite parent input at our meetings. I want to ensure the meetings address what you the parents want to know.
Equally important, I want parents to attend a meeting because it is an important element of their child's education. I would love our parents to leave a meeting feeling like they may be in a position to better help their child succeed in school.
I hope parents continue to offer support, input and critiques of what is going on at Holy Angels. It is the best way we can be sure that our school stays focused on all the needs of all of our students.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Continuing Development At Our School
We have many different boards and organizations at Holy Angels involved in numerous facets of the school. Some, such as the CPTA, are fairly well known, in regards to their membership and responsibilities. Others, such as the Development Board or Facilities Committee are less visible, but equally important to the school.
Holy Angels School and parish, have been making great efforts to address some of our physical plant issues that may have been overlooked. In some cases, what should have been preventive maintenance issues have become major projects due to neglect.
Just last weekend, one of those projects was the installation of new woods chips in our swing structure, a monumental task that was accomplished through the great efforts of a number of our parents.
Our Development Board has been very active in an attempt to prioritize these needs throughout the school, as well as to find ways to fund them. Major projects that have been discussed recently include renovations of the classrooms, re-doing the blacktop, upgrading the restrooms, and improvements to our field. These are just some of the ideas.
The most important action we can take to ensure that these projects will continue to happen and improvements be made is to ensure that we continue to have a strong enrollment. With new student registration currently taking place, we need the help of our parents to direct new families to our school. Word of mouth from our parents is the best advertising for Holy Angels. Holy Angels has a strong enrollment and a waiting list in most of our grades. But we can never get complacent and rest on our laurels. The community: parents, teachers and administration, has to be proactive in the recruitment of new students.
Nothing is as satisfying for me as a principal than to have a new family apply for the school and tell me what wonderful things they have heard about the school. We do have a lot to be proud of, and we need to let others know about it. Please contiue to direct new families to our school, tellothers about our school, and play a vital role in the further upgrades that will take place at Holy Angels.
Holy Angels School and parish, have been making great efforts to address some of our physical plant issues that may have been overlooked. In some cases, what should have been preventive maintenance issues have become major projects due to neglect.
Just last weekend, one of those projects was the installation of new woods chips in our swing structure, a monumental task that was accomplished through the great efforts of a number of our parents.
Our Development Board has been very active in an attempt to prioritize these needs throughout the school, as well as to find ways to fund them. Major projects that have been discussed recently include renovations of the classrooms, re-doing the blacktop, upgrading the restrooms, and improvements to our field. These are just some of the ideas.
The most important action we can take to ensure that these projects will continue to happen and improvements be made is to ensure that we continue to have a strong enrollment. With new student registration currently taking place, we need the help of our parents to direct new families to our school. Word of mouth from our parents is the best advertising for Holy Angels. Holy Angels has a strong enrollment and a waiting list in most of our grades. But we can never get complacent and rest on our laurels. The community: parents, teachers and administration, has to be proactive in the recruitment of new students.
Nothing is as satisfying for me as a principal than to have a new family apply for the school and tell me what wonderful things they have heard about the school. We do have a lot to be proud of, and we need to let others know about it. Please contiue to direct new families to our school, tellothers about our school, and play a vital role in the further upgrades that will take place at Holy Angels.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Readers Response
The folllowing are two responses to my ramblings that the writers were unable to get posted:
In response to "Educational Challenge:
As a teacher who has spent now half of my life teaching in Catholic schools, I am mystified by the entire discussion. First off,I want to know how these kids are being compared. What tests/assessments are being used in the comparisons? No one has ever told me this. Secondly, what value is there in this constant comparison? I haven't figured that out either. We Americans are a rather reactionary people. I recall that when we thought the Russians would beat us to the moon (Oh my!) we suddenly decided that every American child needed more science instruction. So there we went. That group is now working at JPL trying to get spacecrafts to far off places in the solar system or trying to contact E.T. (Yes, E.T.)But now, that is just not where it's at for Americans, so in many public schools, science is an afterthought at best. As to math, I agree with Mr. Carroll, why are we pushing our kids to learn a concept, like algebra, before their minds have developed the necessary abstract thinking capabilities. Half the time kids do not even know why we are trying to teach them what we are teaching them. And sadly, we often can not even tell them; but it's in the book, so they better learn it.
It seems to me, as Mrs. Yenny suggests, we are a bit confused these days about what it means to be "educated" or what schools and teachers should be focused on. In fact, a basic tenet of educational practice that does not take much of an education to understand is called "time on task". I learned this as a new teacher. Simply stated it means there is a direct correlation between the time you spend doing something (practice) and the resulting product (learning). Hmmmmm.
The curriculum today is jammed with so much "stuff" (often at the discretion of a non-teaching world) that the teacher and student often feel overwhelmed.
Speaking for myself, on many days I spend time trying to decide what I should focus on for the benefit of my students and what will have to be left out, because there just is not enough time in the school day for it all (Yes, 4:00 dismissal sounds good to me!!). My grandparents and parents did not have this kind of a school experience, that I am sure of. It was the "3 R's" along with a whole lot less "extra-curricular" distraction in their world when growing up.
In any event, I guess it is important to note that our kids today have learned a lot of stuff that I never have and never will.I have a feeling these things will serve them well in the years ahead.
(By the way, no one ever taught me how to use a computer when I was in grade school, or high school for that matter, but I seem to have mastered at least the basics.)
In the meantime, let's keep encouraging our kids to work hard and believe in their ability to learn. Let's challenge them to excellence by expecting them to do their best.
Let's teach them what we know and value and give them real opportunities to use what they have learned. And I'm pretty sure all will be well.
Mr. Kristoff
In response to the "Hidden Accomplishments":
I haven't been successful in commenting on the blog, but wanted to send an email to recognize the teachers in Pre-K and Kindergarten who put on the Christmas program for those grades. Though I'm sure the level of organization pales in comparison to the larger event, it is such a special program and one of my very favorite experiences at Holy Angels thus far. I think it is especially meaningful to the children, because it is so age appropriate. I am so very appreciative of all that Mrs. Mac, Ms. Melinda and the other teachers do to enable our children to shine in their own special way.
Clare Maher
Thank you to every member of the Holy Angels community who offers input!
In response to "Educational Challenge:
As a teacher who has spent now half of my life teaching in Catholic schools, I am mystified by the entire discussion. First off,I want to know how these kids are being compared. What tests/assessments are being used in the comparisons? No one has ever told me this. Secondly, what value is there in this constant comparison? I haven't figured that out either. We Americans are a rather reactionary people. I recall that when we thought the Russians would beat us to the moon (Oh my!) we suddenly decided that every American child needed more science instruction. So there we went. That group is now working at JPL trying to get spacecrafts to far off places in the solar system or trying to contact E.T. (Yes, E.T.)But now, that is just not where it's at for Americans, so in many public schools, science is an afterthought at best. As to math, I agree with Mr. Carroll, why are we pushing our kids to learn a concept, like algebra, before their minds have developed the necessary abstract thinking capabilities. Half the time kids do not even know why we are trying to teach them what we are teaching them. And sadly, we often can not even tell them; but it's in the book, so they better learn it.
It seems to me, as Mrs. Yenny suggests, we are a bit confused these days about what it means to be "educated" or what schools and teachers should be focused on. In fact, a basic tenet of educational practice that does not take much of an education to understand is called "time on task". I learned this as a new teacher. Simply stated it means there is a direct correlation between the time you spend doing something (practice) and the resulting product (learning). Hmmmmm.
The curriculum today is jammed with so much "stuff" (often at the discretion of a non-teaching world) that the teacher and student often feel overwhelmed.
Speaking for myself, on many days I spend time trying to decide what I should focus on for the benefit of my students and what will have to be left out, because there just is not enough time in the school day for it all (Yes, 4:00 dismissal sounds good to me!!). My grandparents and parents did not have this kind of a school experience, that I am sure of. It was the "3 R's" along with a whole lot less "extra-curricular" distraction in their world when growing up.
In any event, I guess it is important to note that our kids today have learned a lot of stuff that I never have and never will.I have a feeling these things will serve them well in the years ahead.
(By the way, no one ever taught me how to use a computer when I was in grade school, or high school for that matter, but I seem to have mastered at least the basics.)
In the meantime, let's keep encouraging our kids to work hard and believe in their ability to learn. Let's challenge them to excellence by expecting them to do their best.
Let's teach them what we know and value and give them real opportunities to use what they have learned. And I'm pretty sure all will be well.
Mr. Kristoff
In response to the "Hidden Accomplishments":
I haven't been successful in commenting on the blog, but wanted to send an email to recognize the teachers in Pre-K and Kindergarten who put on the Christmas program for those grades. Though I'm sure the level of organization pales in comparison to the larger event, it is such a special program and one of my very favorite experiences at Holy Angels thus far. I think it is especially meaningful to the children, because it is so age appropriate. I am so very appreciative of all that Mrs. Mac, Ms. Melinda and the other teachers do to enable our children to shine in their own special way.
Clare Maher
Thank you to every member of the Holy Angels community who offers input!
Monday, January 7, 2008
The Hidden Accomplishments of Our Teachers
For those of you who attended our Christmas Program, you know what a truly beautiful program it was. Afterwards, it was quite easy to accept all the accolades from parents who were equally moved by the program, but it certainly would not be fair.
The accolades for the evening's program have to go to our faculty. As the students processed in at the program's conclusion, I was wondering how many parents who ever experienced the frenzy of putting together a birthday party for ten children realized what a truly spectacular occurrence it was to move three hundred students reverently into the Church, onto the altar, while singing such a beautiful rendition of Silent Night.
This year, the faculty of Holy Angels worked as a committee to make sure the program went well. I have to admit that some friction existed shoed itself along the way, but I think that's actually one of the strengths of working as a committee. When varying thoughts and viewpoints are considered, heads will bump occasionally, but ultimately, you come out with a superior end product. That's what our faculty accomplished.
Christmas programs are a great deal of work and actually very stressful for teachers. They are expected to continue to keep the students focused on their school work, while practicing and polishing their performances, and try and get the students to ignore the excitement of the upcoming holiday. Our faculty did an excellent job and need to be commended for everything they ALL did to make the program work.
Probably the two staff members who undertook the greatest bulk of the work were Mr. D'Leon, in teaching the students a multitude of traditional Christmas songs, in other languages, and Mrs. Bennett, who arranged the beautiful Nativity Scene and helped choreograph many other aspects of the program.
I think it is often overlooked that our teachers voluntarily take on many extra assignments outside of the classroom. Every one of them has taken on days of significance this year, be it during Catholic Schools Week or events like the Art Show or Grandparent's Day. We need to be thankful that we have a staff capable of working together, while sharing talents that ultimately go towards the improvement of the school experience for our students. Thank you to all our teachers.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
What I Did Over My Christmas Vacation
Virtually every person reading this can identify with the horrors of receiving this, or a like assignment, upon return to school after an extended break. (I have to confess to assigning this paper more than once!) As I began writing this blog, the topic was to recognize our teachers for some outstanding work ( coming tomorrow) but it very quickly ended up going in another direction. I was ruminating over what I wanted to get done at the school during the break and bothered at certain projects I failed to complete, when it struck me that some excellent upgrades have occurred over the break at Holy Angels that could easily go unnoticed by many of our families.
First and foremost, we are pleased to have almost completed the installation of computer projectors and screens in all the classrooms, thanks to the funds raised from our recent Jog-a-Thon. These projectors will greatly aid in bringing to fruition the promise held by having computers in the classrooms. Now, teachers can use the Internet, streaming video, pre-written notes and lessons, along with and more engaging graphics and learning tools in a format that will allow all the students to view them simultaneously. I think it is an exciting upgrade to our classrooms, and will really help our teachers to keep their lessons fresh, relevant and engaging.
Also, at the end of this week, we will be receiving a shipment of long overdue wood chips to replace the ones currently in our swing and slide structure. Maybe not as exciting as computer projectors, but badly needed and a definite upgrade towards ensuring our students remain as safe as possible. This money is coming form Angels Among Us funds, once again donated by friends and families of Holy Angels.
Finally, we have just about completed the input of all our library books into our new cataloging system, allowing all our books to be looked up on computer. This has probably been one of the most labor intensive and completely monotonous tasks any person could undertake, but our new librarian, Mrs. Chowdhary, has been vigilant in this job, and is a excited about it being completed as I am. We have also just ordered over 250 brand new books for the library, with the funds coming, once again, from supporters of the school.
Thank you to every individual who has donated towards are many projects in my last three years at Holy Angels. I am gratified by your generosity and excited by the way it continues to improve the school experience for our students. We have lots more to do, and we will do it, and it continues to be inspired by the holy Angels community. Happy New Year.
First and foremost, we are pleased to have almost completed the installation of computer projectors and screens in all the classrooms, thanks to the funds raised from our recent Jog-a-Thon. These projectors will greatly aid in bringing to fruition the promise held by having computers in the classrooms. Now, teachers can use the Internet, streaming video, pre-written notes and lessons, along with and more engaging graphics and learning tools in a format that will allow all the students to view them simultaneously. I think it is an exciting upgrade to our classrooms, and will really help our teachers to keep their lessons fresh, relevant and engaging.
Also, at the end of this week, we will be receiving a shipment of long overdue wood chips to replace the ones currently in our swing and slide structure. Maybe not as exciting as computer projectors, but badly needed and a definite upgrade towards ensuring our students remain as safe as possible. This money is coming form Angels Among Us funds, once again donated by friends and families of Holy Angels.
Finally, we have just about completed the input of all our library books into our new cataloging system, allowing all our books to be looked up on computer. This has probably been one of the most labor intensive and completely monotonous tasks any person could undertake, but our new librarian, Mrs. Chowdhary, has been vigilant in this job, and is a excited about it being completed as I am. We have also just ordered over 250 brand new books for the library, with the funds coming, once again, from supporters of the school.
Thank you to every individual who has donated towards are many projects in my last three years at Holy Angels. I am gratified by your generosity and excited by the way it continues to improve the school experience for our students. We have lots more to do, and we will do it, and it continues to be inspired by the holy Angels community. Happy New Year.
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