October 12-18, 2015

WEST DELAWARE HAWKS

Relationships, Challenging Academics, 21st Century Skills

Random Thoughts...Preparing Students for the Future

Ten years ago, we had pencil, paper and overhead projectors. Today, the 21st Century Classroom lets us create a learning environment richer, more engaging, and more customized to a given student's needs than ever before.

The 21st Century Classroom involves more than just the latest technological devices. It is how interactive technology, digital tools, the Internet, and a teacher armed with the right knowledge combine to provide a learning environment that engages today's students in learning.

·      Engages the student and encourages collaboration

·      Combine information and opportunities  for learning

·      Recognizing vast sources  of information and knowledge on the internet

·      Skilled and professional teachers

From the U.S. Department of Education National Center for Education Statistics (NCES): A rigorous high school program boosts the chances of success for both college goers and students who do not attend college after high school. High school graduates who don’t attend college are more successful later on if they’ve taken high-level math courses and focused vocational training in high school. Non-college goers did much better in the labor market if they had completed high-level math and science courses; earned higher grades; completed multiple vocational courses focusing on a specific labor market area, and obtained a professional certification or license.

The foundational piece in all of this is that the District has strong internal and external stakeholder involvement and shared vision of learning.  This is very important.  Once we talk the same language, we can move forward together. 

Education across the nation is realizing that learning should not just occur in the traditional classroom.  West Delaware is ahead of the curve in this regard.  Business and industry will continue to be sought out in Delaware County to develop meaningful and positive learning experiences for students.  Schools, as a whole, need to recognize the invaluable resources our communities provide. 

Our challenge at West Delaware is to bring all of this together.  The High School Building Leadership Team (BLT) and individual teachers are nurturing continuous improvement in instructional strategies and reflection upon their practice.  Ongoing work is focused on developing assessments that are meaningful and positive learning experience for students.

In November, the BLT will meet to chart the High School’s course within the framework of the District’s Vision.  Using a “Branding Process,” the BLT will craft strategies and principles for the High School to use as we continue ahead.

 

https://vimeo.com/67277269?ref=fb-share

Youth Frontiers - Character Challenge

Technology Tip of the Week

Public WiFi Is Insecure. Do Not Use Banking Websites When On Public WiFi.
On public WiFi, any data you transmit could potentially be viewed by someone else. You should not transmit any personal, confidential or sensitive data when you’re using a public connection. This includes banking activities, bill paying, and anything else of a financial or private nature.

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August 31 - September 4, 2015

WEST DELAWARE HAWKS

Relationships, Challenging Academics, 21st Century Skills

Random Thoughts....Leadership 3.0

I had the good fortune to attend Eric Sheninger's keynote address at the June 2013 Technology Integration Conference (TIC) hosted by Keystone AEA.  Eric is an award-winning principal, best-selling author, and international keynote speaker.  As I considered Eric's message, he focused on a concept entitled "Leadership 3.0"

A section of my notes:

Definition of Leadership 3.0
● dynamic combination of mindset, behaviors, and skills that are employed to change and/or enhances school culture through the assistance of technology

● establishing direction, influencing other, and initiating sustainable change through the access to information to establish relationships in order to anticipate changes pivotal to schools success in the future

Pillars of Leadership 3.0
● communication
● public relations
● branding
● professional growth - organizational and individual
● opportunity
● engagement
● learning spaces and environments
● collaborate and share

As I reflected then and think back upon now, I focus on the Pillars of Leadership 3.0. We are all responsible for the 8 pillars listed whether it be the leadership teachers and associates provide in the classroom to students or instructional coaches provide to teachers through the TLC program.  YOU ARE LEADERS OF YOUR CLASSROOM, ACTIVITY, AND SPORT.

Questions to reflect upon this week:

- How are you providing communication to others outside of the classroom? To parents? To our community?

- How are you engaging students in higher level, real world problems?

- How are you collaborating and sharing your talents with your peers?

- How are you leveraging learning spaces and environments to develop 21st Century learners?  (collaboration, connections, critical thinking, and communication)

https://vimeo.com/105648641

Small Celebrations

Upcoming work to help us celebrate our successes and appreciate our staff culture at West Delaware High School:

- Group outings: Investigate a staff outing to a Waterloo Blackhawks game or the Diamond Jo Casino in Dubuque in November.

- Traveling Trophy: Anonymous nomination to celebrate a personal achievement or special moment in a staff member's life.

- Refreshments/Merriment:  Food and fun before Professional Development and at Staff Meetings.

HS Typology Activity Summary

Thank you to High School teachers for completing the Typology Activity during our Back-To-School meeting.  There were many positive and interesting results from the survey.  Some highlights: (you may need to zoom in to read all text)

The BLT will now analyze this data and select themes to focus on as we work towards meeting our District's Vision and Mission Statement.

 
Attendance Phone Calls

Beginning October 6th, all school buildings will be using the automated calling system to notify parents that their child is absent from school. Currently, a secretary calls each family individually for each student that is absent from school without parent notification. This can take a significant amount of time.

We would like to be more timely and efficient with our notification. In order to do this we will be using our automated message system. If a student’s teacher has marked a student absent and we have not received parent notification, we will send an automated message by phone, email, and text to the parent(s). These messages can be sent in minutes and will ensure that parents are notified of their child’s absence earlier in the morning.

If a parent receives one of these messages, they can contact the attendance office in the child’s school to let them know why the child is absent that day. To avoid these messages, parents can contact the child’s school before 8:15 am to let them know that the child will be absent. 

Technology Tip of the Week
When You Need to Send or Receive Sensitive Information over the Internet with Your Browser, Be Sure the Connection Is Protected by Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Encryption.

Look for HTTPS:// before the address of the website and a padlock icon in the web address bar. If the connection only shows HTTP:// (without the S), then the connection cannot be trusted and the data will be sent unencrypted, exposing it to potential attackers.

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September 7-11, 2015

WEST DELAWARE HAWKS

Relationships, Challenging Academics, 21st Century Skills

 

Telling the West Delaware Story...

As I discussed at our back to school meeting, we need to share our story to our community.  We are too "Iowa Nice" at times.  I find hidden gems everyday at West Delaware which I stumble upon.  As the saying goes, "If we don't share our story, someone else will."  If we tell our story first - we control the story - not others.   

This is evident just this week in an article from the Des Moines Register "Should Des Moines get rid of its dams?"   People are noticing the high quality of life in Northeast Iowa, specifically Manchester.  When you add stellar educational programming with high quality of life and job openings, families are more likely to select a community to raise a family.

This is critical as we seek to continue to provide opportunities to our students that will engage, inspire and empower students for their future.  It has been said that "its not bragging if its true."  As WD staff, spread the positive culture you have developed, showcase the talents you constantly refine, and reap the benefits of your hard work.

Schools stepping out to tell their story...

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CANesv1kTzE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPjjFvbjdEI 

WHAT IS THE STORY WE WILL TELL AT WEST DELAWARE?

WD Can Win $1,000!

West Delaware High School was one of the first 32 high schools to register for the 2015 Healthiest State Walk and we have been entered into the #MascotWalk challenge! If victorious, WD can win $1000 to improve our school.

Here’s how it works:

32 schools will be put in a bracket and go head-to-head until one school remains. The bracket will be found on the Healthiest State Facebook page starting September 7:  www.facebook.com/HealthiestIowa

Anyone with a Facebook account and over the age of 14 can vote for their favorite high school mascot on Facebook. Voting will occur weekly starting on Monday, September 7, at 8 a.m. The schools with the most votes that week will move on. Winners will be announced every Monday morning and the final winner will be announced by Friday, October 9. (The voting will officially end at 11:59 a.m. on October 7).

If awarded, West Delaware would utilize the funds equally across the 3 attendance centers for healthy lifestyle activities.

 

Hawk Time - The Harbor

The following dates will be used for "The Harbor" during Hawk Time.

October 6

November 3

December 1

January 19

February 16

April 5

May 3

Videos and classroom discussion will be sent out the week before the dates listed above.

Challenging Academics Building Goal

Reminder:  the following is the process of working towards implementation of the Assessment for Learning attributes.

Term 1 (2015-16):

- Complete Data Focus Protocol in department PLC's during Early Out Wednesdays.

Term 2 (2015-16):

- Based on data analysis from Data Focus Protocol in Term 1, select 1 attribute from Assessment for Learning (AfL).

     Assessment for Learning (Afl) Attributes:

·      Learning Intentions

·      Elicit Evidence/Instructional Modifications

·      Descriptive Feedback

·      Self and Peer Assessment

·      Collaborative Classroom Climate
IMPORTANT: MORE INFORMATION ON THE ATTRIBUTES CAN BE FOUND HERE: LINK

- Model Teachers will be selected based on Assessment for Learning (AfL) attributes

- Once the Data Focus Protocol has been analyzed and attribute selected, teachers will observe Model Teachers.  Teachers will implement attribute in their classroom, complete a written reflection, and be observed by administrator.

- Other AfL resources:

·      Instructional Coaches (optional)

·      Iowa/Common Core Website:  Assessment for Learning

·      Keystone AEA Website: Assess for Learning

·      Cassie Erkens

- Complete a new Data Focus Protocol in Department PLC's during Early Out Wednesdays

Term 3 (2015-16):
- Based on data analysis from Data Focus Protocol in Term 2, select 1 new attribute from Assessment for Learning (AfL).
- Teachers will observe Model Teachers.  Teachers will implement attribute in their classroom, complete a written reflection, and be observed by administrator.
- Complete a new Data Focus Protocol in Department PLC's during Early Out Wednesdays

Term 4 (2015-16):
- Based on data analysis from Data Focus Protocol in Term 3, select 1 new attribute from Assessment for Learning (AfL).
- Teachers will observe Model Teachers.  Teachers will implement attribute in their classroom, complete a written reflection, and be observed by administrator.
- Complete a new Data Focus Protocol in Department PLC's during Early Out Wednesdays

Term 1 (2016-17):
- Based on data analysis from Data Focus Protocol in Term 4, select 1 new attribute from Assessment for Learning (AfL).
- Teachers will observe Model Teachers.  Teachers will implement attribute in their classroom, complete a written reflection, and be observed by administrator.
- Complete a new Data Focus Protocol in Department PLC's during Early Out Wednesdays

Term 2 (2016-17):
- Based on data analysis from Data Focus Protocol in Term 1, select the last attribute from Assessment for Learning (AfL).
- Teachers will observe Model Teachers.  Teachers will implement attribute in their classroom, complete a written reflection, and be observed by administrator.
- Complete a new Data Focus Protocol in Department PLC's during Early Out Wednesdays

Technology Tip of the Week

Social Media Is Viewable By Anyone. Do Not Post Anything Regarding The Organization Without Prior Consent.
Social media can be seen by anyone even if your account is private; anything you post could be shared on the Internet and it cannot be deleted once others have begun sharing it. You should get written permission before you post anything online about a coworker, colleague, client, or anyone else attached to your organization.

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September 14-18, 2015

WEST DELAWARE HAWKS

Relationships, Challenging Academics, 21st Century Skills

Random Thoughts...Design of a 21st Century Classroom

If you could step back and re-design your learning environment, what guiding principles would you set? 

The 21st Century Classroom involves more than just the latest technological devices. It is how interactive technology, digital tools, the Internet, and a teacher armed with the right knowledge combine to provide a learning environment that engages today's students in learning.

One way to promote this is via different student learning spaces. To set the stage of how to make these principles operational, a new design of the learning spaces needs to occur.   Ten years ago, we had pencil, paper, and overhead projectors. Today the 21st Century Classroom lets us create a learning environment richer, more engaging, and more customized to a given student's needs than ever before.

Characteristics of a 21st Century learning space:

·       Engages the student and encourages collaboration

·       Combines information and opportunities for learning

·       Recognizes vast sources of information and knowledge on the Internet

Various examples:

What is the commitment to make your learning space dream come true? 

 

Technology Tip of the Week

Legitimate Emails Usually Don’t Demand Immediate Action. Be Skeptical If They Do.
If an email is sent to you that requests that you take an immediate action, you should be skeptical. Rather than responding to the email, you should call or otherwise directly contact the sending party for more information. Immediate action is usually used to make you rush, so that you don’t notice other warning signs. 

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September 21-27, 2015

WEST DELAWARE HAWKS

Relationships, Challenging Academics, 21st Century Skills

Youth Frontiers - The Character Challenge

Thursday was kind of a big day at WDHS....  
Respect Retreat

Leon Logothetis - "The Power of Kindness"

Manchester Chamber of Commerce Visit

Random Thoughts......Questioning Techniques

As we focus on Assessment for Learning in our Building Plan, we need a laser sharp focus in our questioning techniques.  One attribute from Assessment for Learning is ELICITING EFFECTIVE FEEDBACK. A guide to help move students to deep conceptualization is Webb's Depth of Knowledge (DoK).

Level 1: Recall and Reproduction

Tasks at this level require recall of facts or rote application of simple procedures. The task does not require any cognitive effort beyond remembering the right response or formula. Copying, computing, defining, and recognizing are typical Level 1 tasks.

Level 2: Skills and Concepts

At this level, a student must make some decisions about his or her approach. Tasks with more than one mental step such as comparing, organizing, summarizing, predicting, and estimating are usually Level 2.

Level 3: Strategic Thinking

At this level of complexity, students must use planning and evidence, and thinking is more abstract. A task with multiple valid responses where students must justify their choices would be Level 3. Examples include solving non-routine problems, designing an experiment, or analyzing characteristics of a genre.

Level 4: Extended Thinking

Level 4 tasks require the most complex cognitive effort. Students synthesize information from multiple sources, often over an extended period of time, or transfer knowledge from one domain to solve problems in another. Designing a survey and interpreting the results, analyzing multiple texts by to extract themes, or writing an original myth in an ancient style would all be examples of Level 4.

Practical Examples or Ways to Apply in Your Classroom:

You may be thinking, "How is this different than Bloom's Taxonomy?"  This is a natural comparision to make.

Assessment for Learning Presentation from Wednesday
http://prezi.com/wcqacrhwu9mc/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy&rc=ex0share

Technology Tip of the Week

Protect Your Home Computer By Using Strong Passwords and Never Reusing Passwords.
Your home computer often holds extremely important data. You can protect your home computer thorough the use of a strong password, such as a long password that contains a variety of special characters. Changing your password often also increases your security. Never use your work password for your home computer, as this can represent a security risk for both yourself and your organization.

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