Giving Thanks
Last Tuesday, I was fortunate to attend a program hosted by Chariho Regional School System. Once there, I worked alongside other educators, teachers, principals and administration to learn how Chariho has utilized a grant from the RI Foundation to leverage one to one technology as a tool to create personalized learning environments for their students at all grade levels. As a requirement of the grant they were expected to share how the year evolved, some highlights include using station rotation in the classroom and creating playlists where students create links to an assignment on their teacher’s Google Sheet instead of uploading/sharing multiple assignments with that teacher. They discussed how they were able to build teacher capacity to support personalized learning, what they have learned in their time creating these personalized opportunities for their students, recommendations for us, and what to avoid. It was a great opportunity to learn as we embark on our first full year with devices in our classrooms. The amount of work these educators put into this effort makes me so grateful to be on the receiving end of many wonderful resources. They shared their website with all of us who attended. I invite anyone interested in the website who may have questions to feel free to follow up with me.
Additionally, I am thankful for the many students we have each day that make us want to come to school. Adam Laliberte shared a video with me one day after we had had a great conversation on culture. He and I believe many teachers would be up for this and if we put our minds to it NKHS could create a video that puts smiles on students’ faces and tears to those who watch. To see the video example from ABC, be sure to scroll down.
Health and Wellness
From Karen D’Abrosca:
Happy Thanksgiving! Giving Thanks ….. In an article titled ”A Healthy Serving of Gratitude” (R. Findley), he points to scientific evidence that when the body is positively stimulated – such as expressing gratitude - it releases a powerful peptide called oxytocin. This is the bonding hormone and may help with pain relief, depression and social anxiety. Ways you can practice gratitude: Say Thank You throughout your day, Write Thank You notes, Keep a Gratitude Journal or Jar, Appreciate those around you. Enjoy your holiday and Thanks for reading!!
Enjoy the long weekend.
As part of our Healthy Schools Initiative, Karen D’Abrosca, Julie Maguire, and Jonathan Quinn work with me to ensure the North Kingstown Healthy Schools Policy is being followed. Additionally, ideas are executed that we think the greater population may enjoy. You may notice on the second floor and other spots in the school there is a sign for all of the walkers to indicate how many times around equals one mile. Have a healthy idea...send it my way. Thank you.
Upcoming Events/Important Dates
November
21 Faculty Meeting, 2 pm, meeting by department or focus group
22 Dodgeball Tournament
24 No School Thanksgiving; Thanksgiving Day Football Game, 10 am at NK
25 No School
28 9th grade assembly, 8:45 am
29 10th grade assembly, 8:45 am
30 11th grade assembly, 8:45 am
December
1 12th grade assembly, 8:45 am
3 NKHS 5th Annual Arts and Craft Show, cafeteria 9 am - 3 pm
9-11 Christmas Carol
Teaching and Learning
ESSA--Every Student Succeeds Act which will replace NCLB was passed on Dec 10, 2015. Some of you may be very familiar, others may not. I have included an article from NEA below if you would like to read more about it.
If anyone would like to spend some time shaping the future of teaching, the first draft of the ISTE Standards for teachers is available and they are looking for feedback. Go to their site to receive the toolkit, host a feedback forum, and take the survey. http://www.iste.org/standards/standards/for-teachers-refresh-2016-lp
School Culture
Twenty-seven students were inducted this past Wednesday evening into the National Honor Society. Students were welcomed by the current members of the Society and were led through the program by the Mistress of Ceremony, Maddie Maguire.
D’Ellen Roye was invited by the NHS students to present the keynote this year. Her speech on passion and courage and how she found hers at a young age in Colorado was truly inspiring. After the certificates were awarded by Kris Graham and Mia Toro, NHS advisors, there was a small reception for the students and their parents in our cafeteria. The cupcake tower was made especially for the celebration by our cafeteria staff. Thank you to all who made this an exceptional evening.
Community
Last Tuesday, our NKHS Band participated in the North Kingstown Veteran’s Day Parade. It is a wonderful day to honor our veterans and the town is always so appreciative to see our high school and middle school ensembles in the parade. Our own Joy Tavano was in front of the band. Perhaps she was representing NK’s Community Chorus. The annual Winter Concert featuring the Community Chorus is on December 3rd and 4th. Photo provided by Lisa Garcia.
From Toni Silveira:
The SELAC group (Special Education Local Advisory Committee) has been reshaped and reignited with new membership. The group is reaching out to teachers (of all subject areas and grades) to join them in bringing more voices to the table. SELAC is committed to ensuring that the needs of all special education learners are being met. The committee is hosting guest speakers and workshops as well as working on special education policy issues.
The meetings alternate between lunch time meetings and dinner time meetings to help support families who may have child care concerns. The next meeting is January 4th at noon and then Feb. 13 at 6:30 PM at Davisville Academy. Amy Messerlian-Magadin and Carol West are presenting at the April meeting. This date to follow.
I am a member as a parent and a teacher. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. Here is a link to their page: http://www.nksd.net/pages/North_Kingstown_School_Dept/Community/SELAC
Articles Worth Reading
Videos Worth Watching
The Real Reason We Do What We Do.
Food for Thought
“I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual”~Henry David Thoreau
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