April 20, 2012

April 20, 2012

In Celebration of our Parents

As I write this I'm in search of the right word to convey what I am feeling. Is it belonging? Gratitude? Beneficence? Community? Not sure...
I diverge from my reflections on the design principles this week to share what is in my heart this evening. I return home tonight after sharing in the pride of students and parents as they viewed Kids Life Is Art Showcase. Kids were so excited to show their parents, siblings, grandparents, and friends their art on display. Parents were so appreciative of this rich learning experience provided for their children at Renaissance. Pam, thank you for the incredible inspiration you are to all of us. Everyone was proud of their school, proud of the community and proud of the culture we have all created together.

Reflecting on the evening, my heart is full of appreciation for the parent volunteers who have given so much of their time and energy to create this community showing. It is impressive and a celebration to acknowledge how many of our parents are involved behind the scenes to enrich and showcase the learning and rituals that take place at our school. 


There is a large group of committed parents working hard right now on the millions of details to make Life Is Art a tremendous evening and fundraiser to give back to the school. Everyone is so busy and yet these volunteers are finding HOURS and HOURS of time to support the needs of our school.  Life Is Art is just one example, as there have been many other events this year and more to come. We have dedicated parents serving on committees and boards. Our parents care so much and are so proud of our school. They are invested and committed to the partnership between school and home.

Sometimes we are frustrated by the complaints, the lack of deeper understandings, and wonder why parents are not more involved. I think we forget to acknowledge that most of our parents have never had a personal experience with the type of education we are providing and that it is mostly ignorance, not lack of caring, that keeps them from being more involved and perhaps lacking the deep appreciation we seek.

However, we DO have a very large and very dedicated group of parents. On a daily basis I hear parents sing the praises of the teachers and staff at Renaissance. They are aware, and feel, the joy and sense of community at Renaissance. They are thrilled that their children are immersed in a culture of caring and belonging. They know that every child is encouraged, acknowledged and is growing and learning in this environment. 

Tonight, I'm hoping that the sense of community we are always intentional about building with students, is also present as we work with parents. I'm pondering over the ways we could find to provide opportunities for parents to experience belonging, generosity, independence and mastery as they work together with us. I wonder if we think along those lines as we interact with our parent community? Just as we have kids who are reluctant when they join us in a drum circle, we have parents who personify the same reluctance. They come to us from different places, different experiences, different fears who sit back unsure, timid or unwilling to join in. So how do we go about bringing them into the circle? Do we find ways for parents to develop a sense of belonging? Certainly, tonight, I saw generosity from the parent volunteers and saw parents experience a sense of belonging. 

I invite you to take a minute to reflect with me about the partnership we have with our community.  The larger circle. Rejoice and celebrate with me in the powerful and important relationships that are developing.

Calendar

April 23 - 27th:

Climbing in PE

Tuesday, 24th:

* RTI meeting 7:15 a.m.

* Josh's crew Service Learning

* Mary Sue's crew Field Work to School of Mines

Wednesday, 25th:

* New Parent Orientation 8:00 a.m.

* All School Meeting 9:00 a.m.

Thursday, 26th:

* Crayola representative visits Renaissance

Friday, 27th:

* Life Is Art 6:00 p.m.

April 30 - May 4th: 

Climbing in PE

Monday, 30th:

* Ms. Jill's Crew 'spring'  day voyage

Tuesday, May 1st:

* May Day!

* Ms. Mary Beth's 'spring' day voyage

* SAC meeting 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, 2nd:

* Fourth Grade Field Work to the Sand Dunes

(gone Thursday, day of rest Friday)

Thursday:

* 11:00 Lock out drill (same as secure perimeter)

*** Elisha had an awesome idea...she suggested I come to classrooms for our end of the year evaluation conference. That way, as we talk and you think of something you want to share with me, it will be right there! Great idea Elisha...that's what I'll do! Hope this helps with the challenge of gathering the pieces you want to share with me.

***Disclaimer to the evaluation conference schedule: My granddaughter is due any day. So, if I get called away, we'll reschedule. Thanks for understanding the needs of this grandma.

Love and Logic

Love and Logic teachers have been known to ask,
"Should I put up with that behavior just because I like you?
Thanks for stopping."

Featured Folk...

ah...shucks...no feature this week

Hint: We are eager to hear from everyone!

Peek Into the Life of Our School:

This will make everyone smile!
Our Josie...she will do anything to engage learners!
Ask her about what she is doing with her fifth grade writers.
Josie knows that she doesn't have to like it - but she does have to know what her learners like and what lives in their lives 
if she is going to engage them in the learning.
Bravo to you Josie for taking such a risk.
We all want a showing of your new rap skills!

Thanks Noreene for keeping the Learning Expedition Documentation showcase board up to date.
Thanks for setting an example that we need to keep student work displays current in classrooms too. 

Elisha provides early and extra support to writers
collaboratively with Jody.

Jody coaches writers and holds them accountable
for what they have shown her they know how to do.

5th grade did a research genre study and is now using what they learned to do, to research and share out, so they can build background knowledge for their Expedition.
Take a look at what they produce weekly!

Second grade is also modeling for students how to research and record what you they are learning.
There is lots of non-fiction writing happening 
in our school this spring!




Life is Art Kids Showcase:

As always, a welcome greeting!

A busy and happy place!

Our Art teacher Diva..Ms. Pam

What a showing!

Lots of proud parents and students!

Parents and grandparents

Kids use digital tools to photograph
the work they are so proud of!

Proud Parents
'Tied In' to our mission:

Yep...Cody too!

Increasing the challenge

Team work

Parents...an essential piece

Fourth Grade Scientists at work...
After conducting research...the observation...
Owl Pellets...
While some were definitely reluctant to get their 'hands dirty',
the discoveries soon took over and all kids were actively in search of what the owl had eaten.
(Kids engaged in meaningful research at every level!)

Instruction

Jody supports students in math in 5th grade and was so excited by their recent success!

Lisa finds a way 'in' with a reluctant reader...
Henry brought some information from home to share about his Great Great Grandfather who went down on the Titanic.
Taping into what students care about and
what is important in their world.

Kindergarten is growing things again...
meal worms!

Kindergarten is also publishing poetry and
sharing them in a binder.
It's gorgeous.

Short story genre in 6th grade...
Lisa confers with a writer

Lonnie monitoring understandings in math

Words to Ponder:

Have a great three day weekend!!!
Deborah

April 13, 2012

April 13, 2012

Reflections on Design Principles

The Natural World

I know that we all had the opportunity over our break to enjoy the healing powers of the natural world - to walk among the beauties of the earth and find some healing and  renewal of strength that comes from being one with the earth. We were all able to see the evidence of the recurring cycles of the earth as signs of spring came early this year. Ah, just to smell the change of the season....

As teachers in an Expeditionary Learning school we are always finding opportunities to include the natural world in our lessons both in class and on voyages. Students learn to observe, see the cause and effect and to appreciate the earth.  The act of observing draws the observer into the relationship with the natural world. Taking time in solitude to reflect deepens this experience.

The more students learn to appreciate the natural world, the more they realize the importance of being stewards of this earth. If students were not interacting in the natural world on a regular basis with an intentional purpose( observing, reflecting, ) that deep sense of responsibility for their world would not occur. It is that 'habit of mind' that forms our attitudes, commitments, values and actions. Our commitment, as stewards of the earth, is to create the learning experiences that intentionally focus on the natural world. This learning experience creates students who become citizens of this natural world. As we prepare students to be citizens of a global world, does that not also mean that they must have a deep sense of the importance of the natural world?

The natural world is where students may learn self-discovery and risk taking. Do you see how these design principles are intertwined, overlap and support one another? You can't talk about one in isolation - nor is learning ever an isolated experience. It is critical though, that as teachers, we make transparent for our students the purpose and the intention of what these learning experiences provide. 

"Now I see the secret of the making of the best persons. It is to grow in the open air, and to eat and sleep with the earth."  Walt Whitman

Calendar:

April 16 -20th:

Climbing begins for students in PE

Monday, 16th: 

* Discovery students go to Ameritown

Tuesday, 17th: 

* RTI meeting 7:15 a.m.

*  4th grade musical 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, 18th: 

* Vision/Hearing recheck 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.

* 6th grade pictures 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

* Kids Life Is Art Showcase 4:00 -7:00 p.m.

Thursday, 19th:

* Shelter in Place drill 9:00 a.m.

Friday, 20th:

* Teacher compensation day

April 23 - 27th:

Climbing in PE

Wednesday, 25th:

* New Parent Orientation 8:00 a.m.

* All School Meeting 9:00 a.m.

Friday, 27th:

* Life Is Art 6:00 p.m.

Love and Logic

Teacher-isms:

Consequences preceded by empathy help children

 learn healthy cause and effect.

Consequences preceded by anger and lectures help children 

learn to be resentful.

Featured Folk: 

Yeah! It's back...thanks Hanni!

Create. Connect.

By: Hanni Gilbert

Though the word “imagine” speaks to me more than any other word in our language, “create” and “connect” seem to sum up all aspects of my life most accurately.

I’m most happy when I can create and connect. And, I can’t have one without the other.

In an effort to stay connected to my roots and family, I am a Colorado native and have no plans to live anywhere else. Good thing my husband is also a native who does not wish to move! And after 31 years in this wonderful state of ours, my roots go deep, but I do love to travel and create memories, so my travel bucket list is long.

I’m named after Hanni Wenzel, a gold-medalist downhill skier from Liechtenstein. You would think that my parents had some connection to skiing, to name their only child after a skier, but that’s not the case. My dad just heard her name during the 1980 Olympics and liked it.

I have had two careers, which, lucky for me, have allowed me to both connect and create. Before becoming a teacher, I was an Exercise Physiologist for Broncos Sports Medicine. There, I was able to connect with many people and create exercise plans for patients who were transitioning out of therapy. These patients included everyone from players for the Denver Crush (the Arena Football League), to people who were recovering from heart surgery. While I immensely enjoyed what I did, I knew it wouldn’t be enough for me. I weighed my options, and after briefly thinking about attending a program to become a Physical Therapist, I just couldn’t connect with Physics, I decided to return to what I have always loved, working with children. This is what eventually brought me to Renaissance.

I met Noreene at a job fair in Greeley and was lucky enough to be offered a position at Renaissance. Right from the start, I knew that Renaissance was the place for me. I was so fortunate to have the opportunity to help create our Character Traits and school culture that first year. I could not be happier than at a school that teaches to the whole child and integrates so many wonderful aspects into our students’ lives. We really do connect with students and create an excitement for learning that is infectious! This is why I cannot wait to have my children attend Renaissance!

If I ever do have a different career, I know that it will be in writing. My grandmother, from whom I get my middle name, McKimm, started the newspaper in Woodland Park when my dad’s family moved to Colorado when he was just a little boy. I would love to reconnect that newspaper with my family, at some point in my life. Someday.

In my free time, you’ll always find me creating and connecting. Most of the time, I’m connecting with my family or friends. All of my family and close friends live nearby and it’s rare that a week goes by that my children don’t see at least one set of grandparents. Although I’m not fortunate enough to be able to create music, I’m never happier than when connecting to others through music. I love the energy of live music. Good thing for me, my husband’s band plays so many local shows. Punk music has always been one of the things that has connected my husband and me. I also love to connect to nature and myself through hiking, running, biking, snowboarding and yoga. Mostly, I create jewelry and poems or short stories, but since having children, I have found out that I LOVE creating fun, theme parties for them! Ask me about the race car party Lochen had for his birthday last year, where each kid had his or her very own race car to race in, made from a large cardboard box. I’m not sure why I thought such an extravagant party was a good idea to throw, 8 months pregnant.

Whether in the classroom, on the slopes, or with my family, in all aspects of my life, I am happiest to connect and create. 

Peek Into the Life of Our School:

I was unable to make it into every classroom by the end of the day on Thursday, and I regret that I don't have pictures of all the wonderful learning going on in each and every classroom this week. While we might have had two weeks off for Spring Break, the learning was back in action this week!

Here is just a taste of what happened in some classrooms this week...

Third Graders present to the Outdoor Learning Environment Committee their ideas for a music area. The OLE committee choose three of the presentations to implement in our outdoor learning area.
Meaningful Service Learning presentations!

OLE Committee

Ms. Mary Beth's Crew led All School Meeting.
Their sharing of their song 'Integrity' brought tears to my eyes.

Ms. Mary Beth debriefs with her crew after the meeting.

Students stood to be acknowledged at All School Meeting for their accomplishments at the National Cup Stacking Competition.
Impressive!
Way to go Doug!

We won 92 medals as a school!

Fourth Grade Colorado History Musical was our Special Event at All School Meeting .
Wow! Were they ever good!
Impressive coordination of efforts between Ms. Cheryl, Neil, Lindsey and Mary to coach and prepare the students for such an incredible performance!

Students learn how to play the viola, violin and cello.

Students at Renaissance have an incredible opportunity to be exposed
to such powerful learning experiences.
Cheryl, your passion and commitment is so appreciated.

Doug leads students in 2nd grade to write reflections about themselves and their learning in PE
as they prepare their portfolios.

The 'Elegant Reveal' stage in the first grade Learning Expedition: Down to Earth

Jill and Mary Beth have students waiting in the hall to prepare them as scientists
as they explore what waits beyond the door of their classroom.

First Grade Scientists

Recording what we know about worms...
Ah...what they will learn!

Following is a message worth hearing. It's not even 5 minutes long but gives the listener pause to consider our choices and priorities. We all strive to balance our lives and I think this short video is a good reminder to keep what really matters in focus. In this Ted video, Ric Elias shares the three things he learned about himself and his life in the few short minutes before his plane crashed. 

1. It all changes in an instant ( have a sense of urgency)

2. Eliminate negative energy from your life

3. The only goal I have is to be a good dad...

* How would you change?

* How would you change your relationships?

* Are you the best parent/spouse/ friend/teacher that you want to be?

On a lighter note....

a wonderful cheer!

Words to Ponder:

Thank you for the meaningful feedback you shared with me about Friday Flash.

I will use your feedback to grow and improve.

Have a great weekend!

Deborah