Feelin' the Creativity

I was thrilled to catch several teachers using very engaging DBI (drama based instruction) strategies in their classrooms this week.  They ran the gamut from vocabulary enhancement through demonstration of what the word looked like in movement (I will definitely remember what it means and looks like to "trudge" up a hill), to student cooperative groups creating a scene to explain estimation and rounding (thanks Mrs. Gates!), to some cool second graders in Mrs. Nudelman's class developing gestures to help them remember varied literary genres.  Specifically, her students created several easily identifiable body movmements connected to genres such as fantasy (think waving a wand) and mystery (pretending to use a magnifiying glass); they then  worked in pairs, creating their own genre posters.  Lots of fun, but most importantly, all strategies that help kids remember and connect terminology and concepts in motivating and engaging ways. Thanks teachers!



Additionally, don't forget that Paramount's Story Wranglers are in high gear down the third grade hallway.  I caught four of the Wrangler's and their Lit to Life program in action one morning.  High engagement, all actions tied directly to components of six trait writing, and truly can't wait to see final pieces, in full force on a stage!  The day I visited, Mrs. Golliher's students were participating in whole group writing about Playdough Man and the Great Wall of China.  Hmmmmm.  I hear that once this group story is complete, it will be performed, followed by the next step creations of individual stories.  Be sure to ask your child about the work they are doing with this talented group of actors and writers.  

Also loved the work I saw displayed this week when up and down the halls.  In honor of the US Constitution, third and fourth grade students created their very own family constitutions.  Some were very detailed, many were very humorous, and all showed connections in a very real and understandable way.  A terrific family project and a way to think about individual roles, rights, and responsibilities in the institution we call family. 

If you haven't visited the Kinder courtyard area lately, make plans to do so.  While there, stop by Ms. Ryan's breezeway display.  Her students have posted some really fun collages, all connected to text they've been reading, as well as furthering their understanding of how to use tools and varied media to create art.  You can even leave a note for the class and tell them what you think of their work.  I did and told them I was pretty darn impressed. 

Of course, other learning took place on campus for both students and teachers.  First, fifth grade students had the Legacy of Giving kick-off assembly on Thursday.  Students learned about the concept of philanthropy and heard about the two Fall organizations they will support - Coats for Kids and the Capital Area Food Bank.  Extremely worthwhile endeavors and we're glad, in addition to our own after school CLASS service oppportunities, that each fifth grader will build philanthropic skills and understanding over the course of the year. 

Grade 2-5 teachers participated in a refresher training on all things Accelerated Math one day after school.  We learned more about setting differentiated objectives within math classrooms, as well as the rationale for not assigning grades to practice and tests - AM is not a curriculum, but truly designed for skill building practice (individual teachers may assign a grade for the extended response word problems however; check with your child's math teacher about this extra component). Most importantly, we clarified much on the Home Connect piece, which several parents have been asking about this year.  Look for your child's Home Connect letter with username and password no later than mid-October.   



Teachers at Acclerated Math training, including future Scottie Baby Owen!



Don't forget about Coach DeLine's Fall Family Fitness Festival coming up next Sunday, October 7, 1:00-4:00 pm.  The day will start with a very special Scottie Stroll to Cure Juvenile Diabetes - thanks to Ellen Ray and the JDRF folks for a terrific idea to support the cause - and will have lots of family friendly activities for people of all ages.  Scottie Dog, seen below, encourages you to come out and participate, continuing the quest for all of us to be Scottie Strong! 

Final word.  Process and Product Displays are starting to appear in a few classrooms.  Be sure to ask a teacher about them when you see one.  Highlighting learning processes and the power of reflection.  Exciting days ahead!

A positive whirlwind

This week was a whirlwind for me.  Finishing up a few teacher goal setting conferences, visiting classrooms, trouble-shooting (lots of that!), and of course, meetings.  Wouldn't be a week for me without scheduled meetings (DAC to ECM!) but as I remind staff, sometimes we just have to meet in order to get things done.  So, all good. 

A couple of happenings off campus deserve mention here.  I was able to attend the Dan Siegel Whole Brain Child lecture on Wednesday evening at the LBJ auditorium and left feeling validated and further motivated about our goals this year.  The lecture centered around child development and the scientific research that supports whole child learning, as well as (loosely) focused on "12 strategies to nurture (a) child's developing mind".  It was a packed house, with many parents, educators, mental health workers, and some policy folks in attendance - saw a few people from HP in fact.  Cool to see this diverse crowd coming together around kids.  A couple of my take-aways included Dr. Siegel's messages of honoring differences, promoting linkages - I immediately thought of things we connect such as people, concepts, and disciplines -how our experiences shape the structure of the brain, and how we should all practice mindfulness each and every day.  He mentioned reflection, relationships, and resilience as specific mindfulness components, but most importantly, he also talked about the need for teachers to build in opportunities for students to be mindful each and every day.  Certainly underscores the work with SEL, as well as our continued goal of fostering creativity through the Any Given Child initiative.  I urge you to discover his work if you can, as it is very affirming for what we know about child development. Special thanks to Lee principal Elyse Smith for the invitation to join her for the lecture.  Worthwhile evening.



Brent Hasty and Greg Goodman presenting

 Tying into Siegel's work so well is the work being done by those connected to the roll-out of Any Given Child in Austin.  The first of two planned community meetings surrounding AISD's Annual Academic Facilities Recommedations (AAFR) took place at McCallum HS Thursday evening and what a night it was for those involved in the work.  Brent Hasty, Greg Goodman, and Shirley Heitzman put together a very common sense, informative power point presentation for those in attendance (I'd estimate 100+ at this point, but don't know final count), there were well formed audience questions and recommendations which will help inform next steps, and honestly, I left on such a high note at 9 pm that I still felt the good vibe even this morning.  I know that we are preaching to the choir  for anyone connected to the McCallum High School vertical team for the most part, but there were audience members from several areas of Austin, so I was heartened to see that and hear their positive comments.  This is truly a city-wide initiative; by giving all teachers quality professional development in creative teaching strategies (more tools in the toolbox), providing opportunities and connections to community arts providers, working together with district, city, business, and philanthropic partners, we can make a positive difference in children's lives.  In academic performance, in attendance, graduation rates, emotional and social health, and so much more.  A good night indeed and continued gratitude for those leading the charge on behalf of our schools.

Headed outside to check out the Back to School picnic for a bit, but see below for some random shots from this week that made me smile.  Being in school is a cool thing, I never want to lose sight of that, and yep, I'm Scottie Proud!



Ms. Guimbarda's Question of the Day board



Magnus and his pet pig Zoot!



Mr. King and Ms. Brunello got the "blue" t-shirt memo!



Goal Setting Conferences

My days at HP this week consisted of valuable teacher goal setting conferences. Four days of them to be exact.  Lizanne and I met with each teacher to discuss 12-13 goals connected to our Any Given Child initative, review district initatives, ask about any self-selected teacher goals, and sign our commitments to each other and our goals - commitments such as support where needed and positive, open dialogue.   Though these are long days of back to back meetings, when we take the time to do them, the personal connections we make can be powerful. Nothing beats face time.  In addition to the typical data goals related to STAAR and DRA for end of the year, the use of our curriculum roadmaps, Schoolnet curriculum system, and more, our top goals for HP revolve around the creation of Process/Product displays this year.  This year, we are asking each teacher to commit to focusing on the learning processes that take place in student final products - do our processes connect to our learning expectations and to our final product? Much of the thinking and doing leads up to that culminating letter, research paper, or project.  We are also asking teachers to include reflection, both by teacher and student, on those learning processes and the outcomes.  What would the teacher do differently next time?   What did the student learn from the lesson?  Were there any surprises or ah-ha moments along the way?  We, as some other Any Given Child schools hope to also highlight at least one creative teaching strategy within the Process section (think DAR or any of the drama based instructional strategies teachers are learning) and we are encouraging as much student input into the creation of these displays as possible.  Simply asking students "What did we do to get us to this final product?" can be a valuable learning tool in and of itself.  Loved these when we saw them at this summer's Arts Integration Conference in DC - a simple tool to help us move forward in our understanding of what we are asking kids to do, why we are doing it, and what it means to us (students included!) when it's all said and done. Look for these displays in the hallways throughout the year.  Thanks team for jumping on board with our goals, sharing your ideas, showing enthusisasm for the work, and keeping kids at the forefront of all we do.  Couldn't ask for a better use of my time.




Model created by Laine L and me this summer - FUN!

Of course, as our days were busy, so were our nights.  In addition to the  PTA general meeting Tuesday evening, homeroom parent night took place on Monday, with approximately 40 HR moms showing up for the cause.  Elizabeth Rose is the coordinator for the year and I appreciated the questions asked when I gave my brief welcome.  These ladies rock and I can't thank them enough for the volunteer commitments they make to our school.  Thanks PTA and parent base for giving of your time to help our teachers and our students.

One other worthwhile afternoon and evening happened Thursday. Reggie Cajayon, TX State Schools Safety Specialist, presented to Lee and HP teachers, then parents, on the topic of cyberbullying.  He tailored his presentation to our needs, not only giving us tips to help us and children deal effectively with the issue, but also gave much valuable information on general internet safety - for all of us!  Those I've spoken to said they truly enjoyed this engaging presentation and our hope is to bring him back in the spring for our fifth (and Lee's sixth) grade students.  Truly good information and reminders for anyone. Thanks Reggie!

Next week my goal is to get back out in classrooms each day and see what's happening with kids.  I did manage to catch a quick glimpse of our new dance teacher in action down the second grade hallway.  Natalie Reed was facilitating high, medium, and low movements in Mr. Gay's classroom when I walked through.  Cool.  Next door, Paramount Theater was engaging first graders in Ms. Brunello's classroom with an enthralling workshop on The Three Little Pigs - hear they are set to see the performance next week.  Equally cool. And of course Paramount Lit to Life program is beginning their work with third grade.  Much happening!

Final note.  Don't forget our equally wonderful after school programs again this year.  We have them in place so your children can have easy access to enrichment opportunities.  We love Brick Builders, Austin Film Kids, and more and are equally excited to bring teacher Rog Wall and Zach Scott Theater back to our campus for the second year.  K-2 students will be engaged in Act the Story:  Dr. Seuss, bringing well loved stories to like while learning theatre skills.  Grade 3-5 students will participate in Create a Play:  Narnia, and create their own original play based on the story.  Check out the info at www.zachtheatre.org/education/classes  Thanks to all our providers for what you bring to our campus.  We appreciate you.

A Beauty & the Beast Week!



Brown-Bag It's waiting to go in McLelland's room

Lots happening leading up to HP night at Beauty & the Beast this week.  In a couple of third grade classrooms, I saw "Brown-Bag It" get to know you activities.  In Mrs. Golliher's class, Sammy was sharing a cool medal she won and I heard and saw about Ava's pretty nifty summer vacation. 

Students were also getting their Scottie Spotlight pieces done for the year in third grade (seen in Mrs. Absher's class).  All third grade classes, and many other grade levels, have a student spotlight board and each student is featured at least once throughout the year.  Great way to additionally connect with others. 

Math activities were also in evidence in all third grade classrooms this week ahead of leveled math classes next week.  I saw students practicing the crucial skill of measurement (always a struggle for students on standardized testing) and a tangram shape activity.  Thanks for jumping right in third grade.

 Check out the creative classroom display completed by first grade students in Ms. Davis' classroom.  Her students have been practicing their number formations and they connected it to the work of Jasper Johns.  Great job first graders!

We also hosted our last Back to School Night this week.  Yep, we host three!  Kinder and first grade parents came out in force and received lots of have to know information.  Loved the fact that current teacher Sally Hunter and former HP teacher Sarah Hull also visited to show support for new teachers; the warm and inviting vibe each teacher created for parents was evident.  I was able to participate in one get to know you activity on my pop-in to Ms. Ryan's classroom.  Thanks all for another round of successful BTS nights.

Of course, our big event this week was HP night at Beauty and the Beast performed by the McCallum Fine Arts students in their older theater; this was our kick-off for Year II of an all community arts event as we move deeper into the AGC initiative.  Parent Kerren Campa took the germ of an idea and made it a night to remember.  There were at least 250+ current and former HP'ers in attendance and as I left the performance, I saw several more for the 8:30 show as the first Sold Out! The work that is produced from the students and staff at MAC is always first rate and spot-on.  Truly.  Amazing sets and costumes, professional level dancing and singing.  The list goes on.  I'm far from a theater critic but I do know quality when I see it.  And this is it folks.  More importantly, it's the sense of community that is built around these activities, for young and old, for the folks who love theater and those you have to convert. We do it for the kids, we do it for the schools, and we do it for this community.  Look for other HP arts celebration nights this year,hopefully at MAC, but also with community arts providers, and, with our feeder middle school and their Lamar Fine Arts Academy - heard talk of a possible HP night at Lamar too.  Thanks Scotties for always taking an idea, building on it, and making it better as we go.   

And don't forget to purchase your Season Tickets for MAC performances this year.  I've got mine, have you got yours? 



Fabulous Ms. Campa & Family