Thursday, November 20, 2008

As Days Go By...

Most of you that know me know that for me to take a day falls under the category of fairly significant. Through no choice of my own...except for the fact that my get up and go...got up and went... for a bit...I took a couple of days to help me get my feet back in gear. It is times like these that I am often reminded of the saying: Don't do as I do...Do as I say. During those brief three days...normal/sane individuals would have slept and rested. I did rest and I did sleep but I also did some reflecting. The reflecting took me to my computer which in turn took me on a type of scavenger hunt. I gazed over the mammoth quantity of folders housed on my computers hard drive. I remember glaring at the folders and attempting to count them as one might count ceiling tiles or the pin-point holes in those ceiling tiles of a doctor's office. Then I refocused and realized that no matter what stage of our lives we are in days frequently unfold at such a brisk pace. I believe we are blessed to have periods of reflection. They allow one to remember to steady the pace and stay true to what you value in your heart and soul.


Come on...put on your
walking shoes and let's take a stroll together and see just how some of our Days Go By...always with the face of a child imprinting our path.


(CCL) Collaborative Coaching and Learning Cycle...now referred to as
(CLC) Collaborative Learning Cycle

CLC consists of three main components:
Inquiry: teachers read and discuss professional materials using various reading protocols
Lab Sites:teachers analyze workshop teaching practices in action, and follow-up, where teachers have the opportunity to incorporate what they have learned into their own instructional practices. This is what I refer to as the trenches!

The Lab Site, in turn, has three components:
Pre-conference: Teachers and coach meet before the demonstration lesson and review the focus of the lesson.
Demonstrations: A teacher, coach, or administrator demonstrates a teaching practice based on the lesson designed by the group.
Debrief: Teachers analyze their observations based on the Course of Study for the lesson focus and determine if revisions are necessary based on student work and the flow of the lesson.


The primary focus of CLC is always on the lesson not the teacher. This format provides teachers with the opportunity to work and grow together in a collaborative spirit that supports a safe and productive environment. The time and focus on a specific course of study enables teachers to dig deep into the learning process. This in turn impacts both professional growth and opportunities for students to see what success looks like and to know how success feels.

Documentation and lesson design study are integral components of CLC. Documentation is inclusive of but not limited to the following forms that are completed collaboratively by the group.

Course of Study
Focus Fro Pre-Conference - Demonstration Note-Taking Guide
Debrief
Reflections

End-Of-Cycle Report
The above forms of documentation as well as a comprehensive review of information contained above may be viewed by clicking on the link below. The article is titled:

Plain Talk About CCL: Learning in a Lab Site








Following the completion of each CLC Cycle participants are charged with determining and implementing their Off Cycle Course of Study.

To date Alimacani has conducted the following CLC Sessions:
1st Grade: Writer's Workshop: Report of Information
3rd Grade: Writer's Workshop: Narrative Writing
4th & 5th Grade: Report of Information



Alimacani is currently working on three CLC Sessions that utilize a grade level as well as a cross grade level approach:


Model Literacy Leads are focusing on incorporating the basal without compromising Readers Workshop











Math Lead Teachers are focusing on what writing looks like in math and sub-strands taught during Math Investigations












Science teachers are meeting to take a look at what writing looks like in science as well as the flow of the 5 E's in lesson design.

It should be noted that the term Lead Teacher referes to those professionals that have completed a comprehensive Standards-Based review that utilizes the Implementation Rubric. The Rubric along with classroom visitations, questions, artifacts, data, and conversations are part of the norm. The expectation is for all lead teachers to be fully vested in Best-Teaching/Standards-Based-Workshop Model Practices. These practices are implemented in their classrooms on a daily basis...it is just like breathing or honey drizzling smoothly from the tip of a spoon onto an anxious tastebud.



Early Dismissal Sessions
This year Alimacani is embarking on an exciting journey with our Early Dismissal Sessions. We believe that by drilling down and providing time for each grade levels to collaborate we will distill purposeful instructional strategies that impact student achievement. Focus will be placed on analyzing data coupled with (LASW) Looking At Student Work to drive instruction. This is indeed a remarkable time for our Professional Learning Communities.



We have established Lead Teachers for each content area and they will work with the Leadership Team to develop agendas that focus on The Way of Work at Alimacani. All topics are based on analysis of data that is specific to each content area. We have designed an alternating format so that our K-2 teachers who teach all content areas will have the opportunity to meet for each of their content areas. Just as in a classroom of students, staff members are working at diverse levels. It is vital for us to differentiate professional learning opportunities for our staff just as we are held accountable for providing differentiated instruction for our students.



One of the numerous tasks of a School Instructional Coach is to plan, provide, and participate in each school's professional development opportunities. I count myself blessed to work side-by-side and often on the shoulders of remarkable professionals. Gradual release of responsiblity builds capacity within a school and provides for diverse and meaningful learning. I am humbled and appreciative as we embrace challenges and view them with a lense of opportunity.


Click on the PowerPoint link below: Professional Learning Communities to view agendas, exit sheets, artifacts, and work products from just a few of our Professional Learning Communities.




Faculty Meetings:
Faculty Meetings are held monthly and take part after an Early Dismissal Professional Learning Community Session. The staff returns to a common area and continues The Way of Work. This is a time for Celebrations to be shared, administration to distribute district news as well as news for the good of the school, committees share updates, programs are reviewed, and Q's & A's are addressed. We are currently receiving hands-on sessions that revolve around Foundations. This is a district initiative that focuses on providing Safe and Civil Schools for staff and learners. Randy Sprick’s Safe and Civil Schools’ (Foundations) work will pave the way for our school to participate in CHAMPs which is a positive, proactive classroom management training initiative that unfolds following Foundations training. Alimacani is currently in our second year of Foundations training.


The above sessions are just one leg of our stroll. Classroom teachers, Grade Levels, Vertical Teams, Book Study Groups, and so many more grops meet before school, after school, and we are even known to meet during our lunch in an effort to plan and provide continuous growth opportunities for each member of the Alimacani Family.


Now, aren't you glad you put on those walking shoes and took that stroll? Go ahead...take those shoes off and rest those puppies!
















































































Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Traditions Awaken As We Make Dreams Come True!

October has now folded into November. How many of us have been on our way home from a week or day filled with way too much to do...let alone accomplish? We often consider multi-tasking "The Way of Life!" The cultural norm places an enormous value on multitasking, so much so that often you will hear a heart friend tell you don't do as I do...do as I say. In other words...try stillness or silence for just a moment. Listen exclusively to your heart and reflect on what is worthy of meaning to sustain our heartbeat. I invite you to be still, clear the voices in your mind, listen, read, and visualize the wondrous events that Alimacani Family Members unfolded for each learner.

Author-Author-Author!

Not one, Not two, but three authors have enchanted the staff and learners of Alimacani.


Patsy Roberts made a return visit to Alimacani Elementary School during the month of October. Patsy has been on at least twenty trips to Africa. She shared her African adventures, what children are like in the areas of Africa she visits as well as the culture and environment they are exposed to on a daily basis, along with authentic photographs. Her love of photography is captured in each of her wondrously written books. Each of her books embodies the value of always believing in yourself, and that help can and often does come in surprising ways. She unfolds timeless values through the character development of the animals that are indigenous to Africa in each of her books. We hope this is just the second of many visits Patsy will bring to Alimacani. Patsy, you have become a valued member of our Alimacani family.






Jill Handler Grens, author, former Alimacani teacher, and currently a third grade teacher at Atlantic Beach Elementary School returned to our Sweet Land By The Sea. Mrs. Grens signed books and read her book, I Saved the Day to enchanted students.

The concept of this book was developed by United Way of Northeast Florida's Life Act 2 initiative. Their objective is to enhance multi generational understanding and appreciation. This is a wondrously positive and engaging story that uses images of older people to help children understand the contributions older individuals share with each age group. They remind us of stories yet to be told and those that we will unpack as we chase cherished memories.

Please enjoy the Voice Thread as Jill's book: I Save the Day comes to life.



November will indeed be a month to remember for Alimacani. We kicked off November with author Ross H. Mackenzie. Mr. Mackenzie allowed students to draw on their prior knowledge and schema as he walked students through the writing process using his book, My Sailor Dad. Ross H. Mackenzie is an active duty Navy pilot, former instructor of English literature and writing at the U.S. Naval Academy. His book, My Sailor Dad, is a heartfelt tribute to all Navy families. The book engages students with literary language and visual images that celebrate the sacrifices of today's military. This book most certainly touches the heart of so many of our military families. This powerful vehicle helps children and family members navigate the journey and challenges that are the reality of military families.





Alimacani continue to celebrate the joy of reading with The Scholastic Book Fair Safari . Dates: November 13th through November 25th.

We will continue our focus on the joy and value of Reading with Real Men Read Week: November 17-21. Alimacani will host Real Men Read Night on Thursday, November 20, 2008 from 5:30-8:00 pm. This is indeed a wondrous opportunity to showcase Real Reading Role Models for our children.



Alimacani honored our timeless and purposeful tradition of paying tribute to our armed forces with a treasured Veteran's Day Ceremony on Friday, November 7, 2008. The Alimacani Family gathered in gratitude and celebration. We are proud to be Americans. We lovingly thank our Veterans and men and women serving in Active Duty for their unselfish contributions in safeguarding our freedoms. Our students find heroes here at Alimacani, both in person and memory. We celebrate our American heroes who show us that ordinary people can do extraordinary things when they choose to live lives based on noble principles, inspired by courage, and impelled by commitment.

We would like to thank HSL-48 for their mentorship and continued support to our students. Our Flag presentation and Helicopter Fly-Over was performed by HSL-48.




Alimacani proudly maintains our patriotic spirit. It is with purposeful resolve that we share our patriotic spirit with each member of the Alimacani Family and beyond. I hope your enjoy the following video. The video shares The National Anthem sung by fourth grade students.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuYNiwAGTjA



Friday, November 7, 2008

Red White And Blue-Make Your Dreams Come True








Alimacani Elementary School Celebrates Reading With The Principal's Book of the Month for September and October.


George Washington's Teeth by Deborah Chandra & Madeleine Comora

George Washington worried about his teeth the majority of his adult life. He was constantly loosing tooth after tooth and suffered incredible problems with his teeth. Now come on...admit it...were George Washington's teeth really made of wood? Enjoy the Voice Thread and discover just what really happened to George and his teeth!


High Tech - High Touch - High Teach!


MacByte Time Tips:
Several of you have requested directions for help with the following tasks:

  • Making a Distribution List

  • How to Recover Deleted Items
  • Labels

Click on the link below and scroll down until you see the titles listed above. Now you have a reminder from my March 2008 Blog Post. You might want to highlight these items-copy-paste in Word-then Print...Keep handy for a MacByte Delight!



http://celebrateeachday.blogspot.com/2008/03/high-tech-high-touch-high-teach.html








The logo above says it all...As teachers it is our responsibility and opportunity tointegrate technology into the learning process in an effort to promote success. This will take learning for our students above and beyond their wildest expectations. Who knows...we just might surprise ourselves with this vast opportunity.

I will endeavor to provide you with Technology TIPS based on the needs of your learners in conjunction with needs you believe will assist you in your educational journey. Kathy Hart is Alimacani's Instructional Technology Specialist. Kathy generates a Simply Marvelous weekly newsletter. I devour her newletter on a weekly basis and will be sharing some of the Technology Integration Promotes Success (T.I.P.S.) with each Alimacani Family Member. Please feel free to explore T.I.P.S. of interest that are based on the needs of your learners. Take a leap and don't be hesitant to embark on your own Technology Journey.

Kathy, Alimacani salutes you for helping us grow for our children!

Technology offers a wide variety of resources for teachers and students. It is important to view each site with a critical eye. Technology is indeed a powerful tool. Like most tools once they are put back on the shelf they may be forgotten or even worse they may indeed become rusty. The main goal is to explore the sites and uses of our technology services and determine how they will Engage, Empower, and Educate both teachers and students. Research and exploration alone will not always equate to growth. The infusion or implementation of technology into the curriculum will be one of the determining factors that help teachers and students understand what success looks like and in turn help each participant know how success feels. Have fun activating technology in the classroom with your students! Remember, we are an Apple Core School and Alimacani is up for a complete retrofit. The actual equipment might not be on our campus now but when it arrives let's be prepared!


Sites To Explore:


  • Check out Wordle at : http://wordle.net/
    This is a wondrously fun and easy way for students to have fun generating vocabulary words. They can explore different content areas and capitalize on technology skills infused in the instructional day. The program allows students to generate topic focused vocabulary or even source book ideas while selecting different fonts, layouts, and color schemes. You can even customize! Students and teachers are able to print their magical word creations, insert them in a presentation, or save on the Wordle gallery for sharing.


  • Visit the Florida Center for Reading Research (FCRR) for curriculum and instructional opportunities that range from of literacy activities, centers, professional articles, and more: http://www.fcrr.org/forTeachers.htm


  • LEaRN, The Literacy Essentials and Reading Network, is an online resource that contains information on the five building blocks or essential areas of literacy and reading instruction for PK-12. Just click on the link and then register for an account. Once you have access Explore the wide range of opportunities that are tailored for academic success. http://learn.nefec.org/login.aspx

  • Click on the link below to view a DRA2 Video that will serve as a refresher for the Professional Learning Community Sessions we have conducted at Alimacani. http://settingthestandard.ning.com/video/video/show?id=1875370%3AVideo%3A9813

  • Ok...just in case you think technology is way too hard...click on the link below and check out thevideo You should feel really, really, really, great...or maybe you or someone you know has had one of those days!

Introducing the Book