Friday Flash: 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.