Monday, August 17, 2015
Fun with Blogging!
It is exciting working with fellow educators on blogging. Several educators are ready to start blogging and encouraging their students to blog too!
Friday, August 14, 2015
Innovation RooStars!
We are going to rock the 2015-2016 school year as Innovation RooStars at Curtis Elementary. As the Curtis Elementary principal, I am so proud and honored to lead Curtis this year, and I am especially excited about the possibilities that the new school year will bring. The amazing staff at Curtis Elementary has a special treat for our Curtis families. We kicked off our new year by creating our own rock videos to welcome students back to school. Our office staff opened with "Don't Stop Believing." This video is a tribute to the innovative learning experiences we will offer for both students and teachers.
Curtis teachers can't wait until Meet the Teacher night on Thursday, August 20, 2015. This even will be from 3:00 - 6:00. We have an awesome night planned and in our RooStar form, the entire night will be jamming live on Weatherford's own radio station- 89.5! We will have free hot dogs and popcorn. Curtis will also offer free haircuts from 3:00-4:30. (Maybe some of those 80's hair styles will emerge!) School supplies will be available to those in need. Curtis has partnered with a variety of community partners including Weatherford's Fire and Police Departments, the public library, Center of Hope and much more! We hope to see all of our students and parents on Thursday so that we can get ready for a rocking new school year!
You can view our version of Journey's epic song! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVn1QAvcIOw Wait! there is much more to come! For the encore, each of our grade level teams will be posting their own rock and roll videos this week!
Curtis teachers can't wait until Meet the Teacher night on Thursday, August 20, 2015. This even will be from 3:00 - 6:00. We have an awesome night planned and in our RooStar form, the entire night will be jamming live on Weatherford's own radio station- 89.5! We will have free hot dogs and popcorn. Curtis will also offer free haircuts from 3:00-4:30. (Maybe some of those 80's hair styles will emerge!) School supplies will be available to those in need. Curtis has partnered with a variety of community partners including Weatherford's Fire and Police Departments, the public library, Center of Hope and much more! We hope to see all of our students and parents on Thursday so that we can get ready for a rocking new school year!Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Innovation RooStars...The Roovolution Rocks On!
I am the new principal of the world-class Curtis Elementary, and I am so excited about the new school year!
Friday, May 1, 2015
Innovation RooStars
I am an Assistant Principal at Curtis Elementary, a world-class elementary school. I believe that the learning opportunities we provide students at Curtis will prepare them for the future! Curtis Elementary is heading the right direction as a Future Ready school that promotes innovation. At this time in education, it is imperative to change what schools are doing for students. We must do school differently in order to prepare students for success in the world.
Teachers at Curtis Elementary are blazing a trail innovation by becoming connected learners. Teachers are connecting with other educators around the state, nation, and world to provide valuable learning opportunities for students. One of Curtis Elementary' teachers is Amanda Rogers. Amanda is the Curtis Elementary Teacher of the Year and the WISD Elementary Teacher of the Year! Amanda provides a connected learning experiences for students each day. Her students have had experiences connecting to authors, business partners of the community, and renowned research scientists across the globe. Amanda challenges her students through Project Based Learning. Students are currently designing zoo enclosures for animals by collaborating with a local engineering company in our community. Students in Mrs. Rogers' class are authentically engaged and learning beyond the walls of this school tapping into their passions and talents. Students are learning beyond the brick and mortar of this campus. They are having fun and developing a love of learning. Because of world - class educators like Amanda Rogers, Curtis is a world-class school of choice!
Teachers at Curtis Elementary are blazing a trail innovation by becoming connected learners. Teachers are connecting with other educators around the state, nation, and world to provide valuable learning opportunities for students. One of Curtis Elementary' teachers is Amanda Rogers. Amanda is the Curtis Elementary Teacher of the Year and the WISD Elementary Teacher of the Year! Amanda provides a connected learning experiences for students each day. Her students have had experiences connecting to authors, business partners of the community, and renowned research scientists across the globe. Amanda challenges her students through Project Based Learning. Students are currently designing zoo enclosures for animals by collaborating with a local engineering company in our community. Students in Mrs. Rogers' class are authentically engaged and learning beyond the walls of this school tapping into their passions and talents. Students are learning beyond the brick and mortar of this campus. They are having fun and developing a love of learning. Because of world - class educators like Amanda Rogers, Curtis is a world-class school of choice!
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Why Do We Wait?
Last week I traveled to Camp Brady Spruce with our 5th grade students, and it was amazing! Our students had a wonderful time at camp. For some of our students, it was an experience like no other experience that they ever encountered. I am so proud of our 5th grade campers.
Student really bonded and learned so much about themselves and others at camp. They participated in team building activities, hikes, canoe riding, and of course, KICKBALL! It was really rewarding to observe students as they problem solved in the team building exercises. At first, students are unsure of how to approach a problem and work together to succeed. The parent chaperones would fidget on the sidelines wanting to jump in and help the kids, but the camp counselors requested that the kids figure it out for themselves. The kids would figure it out! They learned to trust each other, help each other, and even ask for help when they needed it. This experience allowed some of our students to transform and realize their own leadership potential.
At the end of every school year, we offer many opportunities for team building at Curtis. We have our End of Year Celebration in May, which for the older students is preceded by several weeks of KICKBALL practice. I was once one of those teachers that prepared my students for victory on this special day. Some might say that I was way too into it. I learned that if my class worked well together, they could claim their trophy as the champs! It always helps to have skilled players on the team, but when you know you are outperformed athletically, strategy can overcome. As a teacher, I made sure my students operated like a well oiled machine and played well together. (It also helped that I was also a member of kickball team.... and I am not too shabby either). When one of my teams lacking the talent faced an opponent full of talented students that argued and disagreed, we would win! My students would work together and use strategy to outplay the other teams. It is all about building a healthy team and providing students with opportunities to lead others. This time of year is so fun! Then after we had so much fun learning from each other, school would end.
I always have questioned why we save the fun team building experiences for the end. While we do some team building activities the first few weeks of school, we all too often will get caught up in classwork and assessments (which is very important) and lose sight of how important it is to build a strong, healthy team within our classrooms. Think of the possibilities! Building this strong team with some good, old-fashioned competition or going to camp at the beginning of year might build a strong team. One that is trusting, willing to take risks together, and learn together.
Student really bonded and learned so much about themselves and others at camp. They participated in team building activities, hikes, canoe riding, and of course, KICKBALL! It was really rewarding to observe students as they problem solved in the team building exercises. At first, students are unsure of how to approach a problem and work together to succeed. The parent chaperones would fidget on the sidelines wanting to jump in and help the kids, but the camp counselors requested that the kids figure it out for themselves. The kids would figure it out! They learned to trust each other, help each other, and even ask for help when they needed it. This experience allowed some of our students to transform and realize their own leadership potential. At the end of every school year, we offer many opportunities for team building at Curtis. We have our End of Year Celebration in May, which for the older students is preceded by several weeks of KICKBALL practice. I was once one of those teachers that prepared my students for victory on this special day. Some might say that I was way too into it. I learned that if my class worked well together, they could claim their trophy as the champs! It always helps to have skilled players on the team, but when you know you are outperformed athletically, strategy can overcome. As a teacher, I made sure my students operated like a well oiled machine and played well together. (It also helped that I was also a member of kickball team.... and I am not too shabby either). When one of my teams lacking the talent faced an opponent full of talented students that argued and disagreed, we would win! My students would work together and use strategy to outplay the other teams. It is all about building a healthy team and providing students with opportunities to lead others. This time of year is so fun! Then after we had so much fun learning from each other, school would end.
I always have questioned why we save the fun team building experiences for the end. While we do some team building activities the first few weeks of school, we all too often will get caught up in classwork and assessments (which is very important) and lose sight of how important it is to build a strong, healthy team within our classrooms. Think of the possibilities! Building this strong team with some good, old-fashioned competition or going to camp at the beginning of year might build a strong team. One that is trusting, willing to take risks together, and learn together.
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Got Data; Now What?
We are half way there now, but hopefully we are not living a just a prayer. With the first semester behind us, we are assessing students with common assessments and benchmarks. Why do we spend valuable class time to administer tests? (The question that resounds in the minds of many busy teachers.) There can be many benefits of administering mid-year assessments.
Not only do assessments help us to gauge where students are in closing academic achievement gaps and meeting goals, but assessments also assist teachers in providing authentic testing practice for their students. Curtis Elementary teachers will be pulling out their "Plus/Delta's" and "PDSA's" in the coming week. Classroom conversations focused on what went well during testing and what did not go so well will help to ease the anxious minds of young test takers. Adapting classrooms, providing proper accommodations to alter the testing environment so that it is conducive for a positive test taking experience will be part of this important conversation with students. The ultimate goal is to identify the best testing environment to allow each student to demonstrate what they know.
Our teachers at Curtis Elementary will also utilize the district assessment data in order to make important decisions that will impact student achievement. The data will be disaggregated to determine standards that need to be re-taught. Teachers will be able to determine how to shift their teaching practices and tweak strategies in order to better engage students.
The most important thing our teachers will do with the data they collect from these mid-year assessments is to share the data with students. Whose data is it anyway? It is the students' data! How can our students truly improve and learn if they do not know their weaknesses? By allowing student to understand their data, teachers can empower them to change their own path. Before they can make significant changes in learning, students must be part of the process for change. Allowing student to develop their own plan for improvement will yield higher increases in academic achievement. Curtis Elementary students will be analyzing data, tracking data in their data binders, and making connections regarding their own improvement. Students will develop plans for how they will cross thresholds and move towards reaching their goals!
Not only do assessments help us to gauge where students are in closing academic achievement gaps and meeting goals, but assessments also assist teachers in providing authentic testing practice for their students. Curtis Elementary teachers will be pulling out their "Plus/Delta's" and "PDSA's" in the coming week. Classroom conversations focused on what went well during testing and what did not go so well will help to ease the anxious minds of young test takers. Adapting classrooms, providing proper accommodations to alter the testing environment so that it is conducive for a positive test taking experience will be part of this important conversation with students. The ultimate goal is to identify the best testing environment to allow each student to demonstrate what they know.
Our teachers at Curtis Elementary will also utilize the district assessment data in order to make important decisions that will impact student achievement. The data will be disaggregated to determine standards that need to be re-taught. Teachers will be able to determine how to shift their teaching practices and tweak strategies in order to better engage students.
The most important thing our teachers will do with the data they collect from these mid-year assessments is to share the data with students. Whose data is it anyway? It is the students' data! How can our students truly improve and learn if they do not know their weaknesses? By allowing student to understand their data, teachers can empower them to change their own path. Before they can make significant changes in learning, students must be part of the process for change. Allowing student to develop their own plan for improvement will yield higher increases in academic achievement. Curtis Elementary students will be analyzing data, tracking data in their data binders, and making connections regarding their own improvement. Students will develop plans for how they will cross thresholds and move towards reaching their goals!
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Great Instruction - Great Teachers!
What makes Curtis such a great place? I say it is the teachers! Curtis is blessed with the most amazing teachers. Teachers at Curtis continue to search for ways to incorporate high-yield strategies in order to increase learning and improve achievement. Great instruction comes from great teachers which leads to great learning.
Education.com reprinted an article from 2007 from the Center for Public Education that stated, "The most significant gains in student achievement will likely be realized when students receive instruction from good teachers over consecutive years." Robert Marzano also states, "Effective teaching is essential to student achievement. " I believe this with all my heart. It does not matter how many students are in a classroom. If the instructionis good, there will the potential for increase in academic achievement. With so little time to teach and so many standards to teach, the first teach is crucial to making a positive impact on student achievement and closing achievement gaps.
One of the reason's Curtis is a great place to learn is because of our 2013-2014 Teacher of the Year! Katie Pitman, a fifth grade ELA/SS teacher, provides rigorous, challenging lessons in her class. Her use of high-yield strategies elevates students' thinking and ability to problem solve. Katie, like many of our Curtis teachers, uses strategies she learned from Lead4ward. Students collaborate and use these high-yield strategies to not only complete assignments but to also think about their learning. She uses strategies like 1 Minute Paper, 3-2-1 Summary, Card Sort, Fact or Fib, and so much more. In this video you will see her use a strategy called, "Commit and Toss" or "Question Toss:" Question Toss Katie is also transforming her classroom with PBL! Project Based Learning is a great way to engage students with opportunities to become true problem solvers. Her students will soon go paperless using technology in more authentic ways!
We have so many amazing educators here at Curtis. Our September teacher of the month this year was Misty Crowley! Misty teaches 2nd grade at Curtis. She has a heart for kids at Curtis. Misty looks for ways to lead her team in order to promote success for all kids. Misty not only connects with her students, but she also connects with parents searching for ways to partner with them. It is all about relationships with Misty Crowley.
In October/November, our Teacher of the Month was Mendi Mahan. Mendi teaches science in 5th grade and is a little bit of a "MAD" scientist according to her students. She makes science come to life. Kids have a lot of fun conducting experiments and investigating theories. There are high expectations in Mrs. Mahan's classroom which is vital to student success. Students know exactly what is expected and meet those expectations in science.
Our latest Teacher of the Month is Vicki Zell! Vicki is an amazing part of our Curtis Team. She teaches our FLS students. These students all have special needs. Vicki is a master at using the Fundamental Five strategies in her class. She frames every lesson with her students. Vicki also helps
her students meet their individual goals each day. She has devoted 22 years to the teaching profession. Vicki also has a strong connection with each and every one of her students' families.
With good instruction being one of the most important components to student achievement, you can see that we are in good hands at Curtis Elementary. Our teachers strive to use high- yield instructional strategies instead of "Sit and Git" worksheets! I am blessed to be able to walk through this building day after day and see the great instruction in classrooms. Just like the name of this blog - Passion Lives Here at Curtis Elementary!
Education.com reprinted an article from 2007 from the Center for Public Education that stated, "The most significant gains in student achievement will likely be realized when students receive instruction from good teachers over consecutive years." Robert Marzano also states, "Effective teaching is essential to student achievement. " I believe this with all my heart. It does not matter how many students are in a classroom. If the instructionis good, there will the potential for increase in academic achievement. With so little time to teach and so many standards to teach, the first teach is crucial to making a positive impact on student achievement and closing achievement gaps.
One of the reason's Curtis is a great place to learn is because of our 2013-2014 Teacher of the Year! Katie Pitman, a fifth grade ELA/SS teacher, provides rigorous, challenging lessons in her class. Her use of high-yield strategies elevates students' thinking and ability to problem solve. Katie, like many of our Curtis teachers, uses strategies she learned from Lead4ward. Students collaborate and use these high-yield strategies to not only complete assignments but to also think about their learning. She uses strategies like 1 Minute Paper, 3-2-1 Summary, Card Sort, Fact or Fib, and so much more. In this video you will see her use a strategy called, "Commit and Toss" or "Question Toss:" Question Toss Katie is also transforming her classroom with PBL! Project Based Learning is a great way to engage students with opportunities to become true problem solvers. Her students will soon go paperless using technology in more authentic ways!
Katie is not a great teacher just because she uses great instructional strategies to enhance the "First Teach." She is compassionate and genuinely cares about her students. She will do whatever it takes to help a student to be successful. Katie is an awesome representative of Curtis Elementary, and our students are so blessed to have such a super star as a teacher.
We have so many amazing educators here at Curtis. Our September teacher of the month this year was Misty Crowley! Misty teaches 2nd grade at Curtis. She has a heart for kids at Curtis. Misty looks for ways to lead her team in order to promote success for all kids. Misty not only connects with her students, but she also connects with parents searching for ways to partner with them. It is all about relationships with Misty Crowley.
In October/November, our Teacher of the Month was Mendi Mahan. Mendi teaches science in 5th grade and is a little bit of a "MAD" scientist according to her students. She makes science come to life. Kids have a lot of fun conducting experiments and investigating theories. There are high expectations in Mrs. Mahan's classroom which is vital to student success. Students know exactly what is expected and meet those expectations in science. Our latest Teacher of the Month is Vicki Zell! Vicki is an amazing part of our Curtis Team. She teaches our FLS students. These students all have special needs. Vicki is a master at using the Fundamental Five strategies in her class. She frames every lesson with her students. Vicki also helpsWith good instruction being one of the most important components to student achievement, you can see that we are in good hands at Curtis Elementary. Our teachers strive to use high- yield instructional strategies instead of "Sit and Git" worksheets! I am blessed to be able to walk through this building day after day and see the great instruction in classrooms. Just like the name of this blog - Passion Lives Here at Curtis Elementary!
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