Ms. McDaniel and I spent the first part of our work week meeting with each teacher on campus. This is typical for beginning of the year; in September, we meet with teachers to discuss upcoming observations, class goals, and campus initiatives. It's an invaluable opportunity for us to have a one on one conversation with staff members, as time to connect on a campus is very hard when the days get so busy. There are only so many hours...
Real conversation and connections with students happen to be one of our Campus Improvement Plan initiatives this year. Spearheaded by counselor Cari Land, Face Time is now a part of our weekly master schedule. This under 30 minute per week slot in classrooms, gives students and teacher a chance to connect over a variety of topics, either recommended by our counselor ("What does being bored mean?") or one that comes from a real-time sceanario ("At lunch, someone wanted my spot and I didn't think I should move, so what should I have done?"). In Face Time, everyone gets a voice and an opportunity to express an opinion on the topic or question of the week; students also find a place where sharing is safe (no name calling), the teacher can guide, and where connections can be made. During our teacher one on ones this week, when asked, the initial feedback for Face Time has been very positive. In fact, teachers have said they and the students "Love It!". As Mrs. Land has stressed to me before, sometimes it seems that we get so caught up with the gadgets of the day (yes, our smart phones are a bit addictive), that we often lose those valuable face time moments with others. I hope you get to experience some quality Face Time with your family this weekend! You couldn't spend your time in a better way.
Your fourth or fifth grade child may come home today with a letter asking him/her to take an online survey as part of my National Boards. Read through the letter with your child (randomly selected by show of hands expressing willingness to participate), follow the survey directions for online access, and thanks so much for helping me grow as a leader! I hope to receive honest student feedback on how I'm doing as HP's principal. Voluntary participation is appreciated as always.
