Thursday, February 28, 2008

2008 State of the School Address



Alimacani has a yearly tradition of presenting a keynote address we now refer to as the "State of the School." Ms. Kathy Stalls, Principal of Alimacani Elementary School, presented her "State of the School" address during our Faculty Meeting on Wednesday, February 27, 2008.

This is a time where we are offered a Look At A Glance as we view the past, present, and future for our children and staff.

An in depth look at the data is conducted at the beginning of each school year. We spotlight specific areas of data results throughout the course of our school year. We use the data collected as a road map that keeps us true to our course of action which is to provide quality education for all learners.

Alimacani is currently taking a look at achieving a streamline profile that will serve to showcase high stakes test data, district assessments and classroom assessments.

Historical data enables us to target the strands and sub strands that will drive instruction. This data also provides each staff member with the ability to identify and target the "At Risk" and "Bubble Students". "At Risk" typically refers to those students who score a Level One or Level Two on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT). "Bubble Students" refer to those students that can go either way and will benefit from focused intervention as the testing window narrows.

Alimacani is keenly aware of the importance placed on providing a rigorous curriculum for our high achieving students as well as those students staffed in the Gifted Program. Our goal is to provide an environment where our children are provided with the tools to achieve to the best of their ability and beyond.

Ms. Stalls took us on a DATA DRIVE. This particular journey displayed our map with a scale depicting the 2007 FCAT scores with an overlay of the districts projected 2008 scores. The view of the road ahead was not used to increase anxiety but rather to empower and help us focus on the task/reality at hand.

Ms. Stalls encourages us to continue engaging students in the Workshop Model. If we stay true to our course and fuel-up...(regardless of rising fuel costs)...then each child and fellow co-worker will live and perform as success oriented Life Long Learners.

Teachers are constantly reflecting on instructional lessons in an effort to meet the individual needs of each student while engaging our learners in motivating and rigorous curriculum components. We can make great inroads toward these goals by gradually releasing educational opportunities/responsibilities to our students. Breakthrough by Michael Fullan, Peter Hill, and Carmel Crevola emphasizes the importance of students becoming independent learners so that when they are confronted with the new, they know what to do-(pg. 11). The book further illuminates the growth that will occur when the student follows the teacher, rather than the teacher following the students. In the end, the goal is to put the students in control of their learning process-(pg. 11).

We have been holding discussions, sharing strategies, and analyzing assessments as part of our professional learning. Quality formative assessments generate feedback. Here the teacher moves the data from the page into daily instructional practices. This in turn gives students a road map for learning. Breakthrough succinctly summarizes this: Personalization is education that "puts the learner at the center."


Alimacani fervently believes that our PreK-2nd grade teachers are the cornerstones for achievement. Even though they are not required to take the FCAT they are most certainly part of the process. The entire Alimacani Family inherently knows that the scores of our 3rd-5th students rests on the strength of our Primary Grades.

The work we do and the decisions we make on a daily basis are made as we visualize a child's face. This places Relationships at the center of who we are as professional educators and demonstrates our tremendous capacity to care. Alimacani's classroom focus is to consistently respond to the learning needs of each individual student. Mentoring is an essential component in this endeavor. Research tells us that in order for a child to do his/her best then they must have an "I Can" Attitude which leads to a perception of success. This premise will carry our children not only through test taking time but will assist them with tools and opportunities to become Life Long Learners and productive members of society.

We are working hard on the Work. Our Gardens are Growing and we are reminded to keep a sense of humor as we minimize stress levels. Helpful tips for stress relief included some of the following tips:
*Exercise
*Visit the Wellness Room (Always use the buddy system...this is also good for a laugh or two)
*Laugh outloud and often
*Try a safe scarf trick
*Be kind to your neighbor


Ms. Stalls gave each of us a next step: Fill someone's bucket by tomorrow. How Full is Your Bucket? by Tom Rath and Donald O. Clifton, Ph.D depicts the value of filling someone's bucket with a kind word or deed. This simple act of kindness helps people to smile and feel like they are valued. This in turn has a spill over effect as it fills your own bucket!

Ms. Stalls concluded our "State of the School" address by empowering us to stay the course and embody the Alimacani Vision that we are indeed a place-



Where Education is A Treasure And Children Are Inspired To Reach For Their Dreams...