Blog

June 2019

Reunited

Over the years, I have met and worked with some dynamic educational leaders. As a result, I saw great leaders at work, in the trenches, making positive changes in the schools where I was a student and buildings where I was a teacher. I had many administrators over the years encourage me to become an administrator myself. I am so thankful I took their advice. I love school. I love everything about it; from the walking into the building of the school to the supplies, the teachers, and students. I love it all. I even still have my “career cloud” from 1st grade which identified my career choice at that time – Teacher. I have always known I wanted to work in schools.

Moving from the classroom into an administrative role was a big transition. One never expects the isolation that naturally occurs when moving into this role. Being in administration, one finds comfort and knowledge from collaboration with other administrators. They understand and can relate to the challenges or difficulties you face. Developing a strong network and support system with other administrators is vital to growing professionally. As a result, I always make it a priority to attend the annual United School Administrators Conference held in Wichita each year. This conference is always fun as there are times scheduled just for networking; administrators get to visit and talk with other administrators. One quickly learns it doesn’t matter the size of the district or the demographics; the problems faced are very similar among us all. At these events, I get the opportunity to see administrators I have either had as teachers when I was young, other administrators I have worked with as I got older, or even colleagues I taught with that are now administrators. It’s like one big reunion! I always leave the conference recharged and thankful for the individuals who have helped and guided me through my educational career. This school year I find the end of the year a little more difficult; some of the most inspirational and influential leaders I have had the privilege of working with are spreading their wings. This conference gave us the opportunity to connect one last time in a professional setting. It leaves me with a heavy heart as I will miss this dynamic group of leaders. Thank you to those who continue to guide me and give advice. In education, one never leaves you; they just move out of your area code.

Fly well my friends.


May 2019

Classified Staff Climate Survey Results

Each year the district takes the opportunity to get feedback from classified staff employed at USD 490. The data can be separated by building and also by district as a whole. This year EMS' classified data mirrored the district data. We appreciate those that took the time to give feedback. This data is used to determine what we are doing well and in what areas we need improvement.

April 2019

Certified Staff Climate Survey Results

Each spring certified staff participate in a climate survey. This data is analyzed and used to determine what we are doing well and what areas we need focus. This year’s data showed an increase of positive ratings in the areas of community support, facilities and responses and how staff used their time during school. A decrease of 5% appears when looking at management of student conduct.

EMS showed the largest growth in two areas this year: teacher leadership and instructional practices and support. These both could be tied back to the work of our building MTSS leadership team. This group is represented by one member from each of the following staff member: grade level teacher, elective teacher, special education teacher, counselor, support services and administration.

As we continue to focus on how to best service our staff, this input is vital. One area that needs focus is staff's perception of EMS being a great place to work. I won't be happy with this one areas number reaches 100%. As a result, I will continue to find ways to improve and make EMS great for all.

March 2019

Bullying

Today marks the end of our Kindness Challenge. During these daily kindness challenges, we have focused on developing new habits, supporting those in need, avoiding harassing behaviors, and preventing bullying interactions.

We are so thankful for our partnership with Communities In Schools; they have provided our students with a visual about bullying. Students can reference this flow chart to determine the difference between bullying and social conflict prior to completing a bully report. Every report filed is investigated; the majority of these reports are a result of social conflict. Even though most of these incidents do not meet the definition of bullying, we want students identifying conflicts so we can intervene and provide supports.

We have paper forms that students can fill out to report bullying incidents. Students drop these forms off in the office or student services; as always, reports can be anonymous. We also have an online bullying report system on our district homepage. (www.eldoradoschools.org - right hand side - Report Bullying!) which students or parents can use to easily report issues. Each of these online reports are emailed immediately to the building principal and school resource officer for investigation. Every student has the right to come to school and feel safe and welcomed. If that isn’t happening, we want students letting us know so we can immediately address issues.

As our Kindness Challenge comes to an end, the message of being kind won’t stop at EMS. We will still continue to reference kindness qualities daily during the morning announcements as well as modeling positive interactions throughout the day. Teaching and modeling kindness is something we are obligated to do as educators, parents, and community members.

As a school and community, we cannot forget the importance of what kind gestures can do in an already stressful world.

February 2019

Kindness Challenge

As we welcome the month of February, I find it fitting to start a challenge at EMS... The challenge of kindness. February’s weather can be gloomy and colder temperatures tend to impact negative emotions in some people. This makes this month the perfect opportunity to foster kindness in all that we do.

Kindness is always a choice. The more conditioned we are to respond with kindness, the more natural it becomes. It is on purpose with purpose. Kindness is defined as the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. Affection, gentleness, warmth, concern, and care are words that are associated with kindness. While kindness has a connotation of meaning someone is naive or weak, that is not the case. Being kind often requires courage and strength. Kindness is an interpersonal skill.

This month, EMS students will be challenged each day with the small task of promoting kindness. The last week of February, EMS will be competing with El Dorado High School students to see which school can collect the most items. EHS will be collecting peanut butter while EMS will collect jelly. Both schools will donate items to The Salvation Army Food Pantry on March 1. Students are encouraged to donate a jar of jelly to their seminar class. There of course will be a seminar competition as well within our building. Let's promote kindness by giving to others.

Kindness is an act of expressing genuine care for another person. In fact, there is no limit to the ways in which we can be kind to others. Kindness matters and at the end of the day, who couldn’t use a little more kindness in their lives?

January 2019

Do The Dishes

Growing up, my brothers and I all had chores. We were never paid for doing these; each activity was part of our contributions to the family. I was always in awe of friends who received money for doing the tasks my brothers and I did on a daily or weekly basis. Looking back, I am grateful I wasn’t given money for tasks which are necessary for the day-to-day routines in life. As an adult, no one is paying me to do the dishes, clean the house, or get the laundry done. It is done because it has to be. Ask me if my own kids get an allowance for doing chores; I proudly say, “NO!”

Assigning a monetary value for tasks that need to be completed can sometimes create a sense of entitlement. The notion of ‘I will do this… but what will I get in return?’ has become a common mindset for many of our children. However, the return on this investment is the satisfaction of completing a necessary task. That is the reward. That is the pay-off.

Grit, competitiveness, the desire to be the best - all these ‘clichés’ are a thing of the past for some of our youth. We interact with students who lack the ability to work through tough tasks. Often students will proclaim: “Is this for a grade?”. The desire created by learning isn’t enough for some of today’s students. How do we encourage a society of thinkers… who don’t mind also being doers?

We have to go back to “teaching” kids how to think, how to problem solve, how to struggle… and how to fail. As a parent raising kids in the 21st century, this is hard! We are usually the first to step in, the first to try to “fix” the problem, the first to make the struggle a little easier.

In helping deflate the challenge, we have also deflated our children’s ability to think… and to do. We don’t intend this on purpose; we thought we were doing the right thing. As parents, we have to step back when things get hard for our kids. We will be their support. We will believe in their abilities. We will encourage their progress. But we won’t eliminate the hurdles. We won’t downplay the importance. And we won’t complete the task for them.

All great learning happens in struggle. All great learning happens through grit. And all great learning happens with desire. In these opportunities, we do more than we ever thought was possible. We take on challenges because we can. Because we should. Because we want to. That is the reward. That is the pay-off. Now go do the dishes.

December 2018

Data Speaks

As a school and district, we want feedback from parents about how we are doing. This information is used to access and reflective on many aspects of our district. Parent feedback is important in assisting us as we continue to grow and move forward with the implementation of our district Strategic Plan.

We are so thankful for the 178 parents who took the time to give their feedback! We would love to reach 100% participation because every parent’s voice is important and essential in making El Dorado Middle School the best it can be. If you weren’t able to give us your feedback during parent-teacher conferences, you will have another opportunity in the spring. We look forward to getting feedback from more parents; we don’t know if things are going well unless we hear from you. Change cannot occur without getting feedback and reflecting on our common practices.

This year’s survey has lots to celebrate; our overall percentage was up in almost every category. This is something we can be proud of! According to the parent survey, our greatest growth was with communication of events. This category went from 77% to 89%. We still have room for growth in this area, but we are happy to know parents feel more informed regarding event happenings at EMS. A huge shout out goes to our building secretaries; the feedback stated 97% of the people who call or come into the office feel welcome.

Our lowest areas for improvement were developing mutual respect, valuing opinions, and staff response. Though each of these were 86% or higher, they were our lowest percentage.

We will continue to analyze and evaluate what we do; again, thank you to those parents who took the time to share their opinions. Data speaks- we are listening.

November 2018

Ready, Set, GROW

Students and parents in our district are so fortunate to be provided an opportunity to access longitudinal data regarding their student’s academic performance; not all districts offer this opportunity. Parents were given information at conferences about their child’s performance on NWEA assessments. With this knowledge and access to longitudinal data:

(1) Teachers can tailor instruction to help each student improve in specific skills.

(2) Administrators can analyze and evaluation curriculum and staffing needs.

(3) Students and parents can track student growth, as well as use the data to predict success on future assessments.

The power of having accurate data, occurring at least twice a year, is something that excites educators at El Dorado Middle School!

Our district also relies on this data to make decisions that align with our Strategic Plan. This information guides conversations on needs of the district as well as alignment of curriculum. Teachers will begin having conversations with students about setting personal growth goals on their NWEA assessments at every grade level. When students know the target and what is needed in order to obtain their personal goal, learning becomes more meaningful and purposeful.

At EMS, using student NWEA data to make academic decisions has been a focus. Our students are aware of the importance and purpose of the NWEA data. This important data is used to determine if students are meeting grade level targets. Those students meeting grade level targets are provided 33 minutes of enrichment four times a week; this time is spent expanding math and reading skills. Students needing additional intervention are also provided the same amount of time; this time is spent developing key math and reading skills. In math, based on Spring NWEA data, 45% of students received enrichment. After testing this fall, 56% of our students now qualify for enrichment! In reading, Spring NWEA data rostered 53% of our students in enrichment classes. This fall, 63% of our students are receiving enrichment opportunities!

This is a tremendous amount of student growth over the first quarter! We are excited to have data conversations with students; we look forward to setting goals for the Winter NWEA Benchmark. El Dorado Middle School is proof that data can be powerful, and meaningful, when students see the rewards. Ready, Set, Grow!


For more information about NWEA check out this article:

12 Common Questions Parents Ask About the MAP Growth Assessment

https://www.nwea.org/blog/2017/12-common-questions-parents-ask-map-growth-assessment/

For more information about USD490 Strategic Plan, visit our website:

https://www.eldoradoschools.org/AboutUs/StrategicPlan1620/


October 2018

Be Informed, Be Aware, Be Smart

I can remember completing reports in high school. “In the old days,” we had to plan research at the library and then go home and break out the encyclopedia, which was only as up-to-date as the latest purchase the family had made. I recall my parents purchasing our own set from a salesman when I was in grade school. At that time, it was a huge investment and something important my parents wanted us to have. We got our money’s worth; the set served me well in high school when I needed to complete research or wanted to know a specific fact. When I grew up, one was only as knowledgable as the latest edition of the encyclopedia or the news article that could be found using the microfiche, the television, or the radio. A lot of times, information came to us from our parents or friends. So in theory, we were only as smart as our parents or those around us! We never knew the difference of all the untruths and misinformation that was shared.

The other day my daughter asked me a question requiring a specific answer. I gave her my answer, but said, “Double check Google to be sure I am correct.” It dawned on me that my own parents did not have this option. I think about the advantage the students of today have over us “old folks.” Students can be as wise as they want to be in today’s world. The information and the ability to learn is endless. Our district has invested in our children’s digital literacy: 1 to 1 initiatives, PLTW classes, enrichment with coding, newscasting opportunities, and computer courses geared towards the latest apps and software.

However, technology can lead to concerns as well. Because many of today’s parents did not have the internet and social media when they were growing up, some do not understand the responsibility and social etiquette of these powerful sources. Having a child in today’s society is nothing like twenty years ago. Our parents had to trust that we were doing what we claimed to be doing. Today, parents just check the tracking device or app set up on their kid’s phone.

Parenting was hard before the internet; now it is even more difficult. Keeping up with where students are going online is necessary in order to keep them safe. At the middle school level, they may experience harassing and inappropriate messages from others. Many issues we deal with at school are a result of issues first occurring outside of school. Solutions for parents may include blocking the caller, unfriending them, or removing their social media access to your child.

Josh Ochs is a leader in digital citizenship. His website has a plethora of tools for parents about social media and even about what apps students may be using. Check out his site for helpful hints and sign up for his weekly emails.

As parents, we have to learn along with our children, including what they are doing online. The knowledge and information accessible to them isn’t any longer located on a page of a book or the film of a microfiche. Take time to be aware and knowledgable about what your child is doing online. We will be smarter because of it and our students will be safer.

https://smartsocial.com/app-guide-parents-teachers/



September 2018

The Energy Bus

I had the opportunity this summer to finally find time to read a book that a friend had given me earlier in the school year - The Energy Bus, by Jon Gordon. This book features a man who is down on his luck and kind of in a slump. It seems as if a dark cloud has come over him and his world is slowing crumbling. Everything he encounters is negative, until he steps onto a bus and mets a bus driver named Joy. Her attitude, enthusiasm, and passion for finding the positive is contagious. Everyone on the Energy Bus is changed as a result of riding her bus.

Have you ever been in a place in which a person walks into the room and immediately the energy level rises? You can just feel the positive energy. We all have ability to be THAT person and create opportunities for positivity in our lives. We can either be the nay sayer or the encourager. We can be the optimistic one… or the pessimistic one.

Research shows having positive energy also promotes better health. Health benefits that positive thinking may provide include:

• Increased life span

• Lower rates of depression and distress

• Greater resistance to the common cold

• Better psychological and physical well-being

• Better cardiovascular health and reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease

• Better coping skills during hardships and times of stress

When your state of mind is generally optimistic, you are better able to handle everyday stress in a more constructive way. Find your passion, find your love, and spread the positive energy wherever your bus may take you!



May 2018

EMS 17-18 Climate Survey Reflection

Each year the district provides an opportunity for certified staff to give feedback to individual buildings and district climate through the use of a survey. Below you will see some highlights from this survey, as well as last year's 17-18 data in comparison to this year.

    • 100% of the El Dorado Middle School certified staff completed the survey for 17-18 school year.
    • 70% of the certified staff at EMS have been teaching for 11-20 years, while 40% of the teachers have been employed as an educator for 20+years. Teaching experience runs deep at EMS.
    • The majority of teachers at EMS - 90%, have sufficient training and support to fully utilize available instructional technology.
    • Teachers at EMS indicate school leadership communicates clear expectations to students and parents as reported from 94% of staff.
    • 100% of the faculty in this school is committed to helping every student learn.
    • 75% of the staff indicate they continue teaching in the district as a result of their colleagues/staff members. It’s all about relationships here!

In looking at comparisons from this year to last year, some areas dipped slightly. However, managing student conduct increased as indicated by staff data. Leadership in the school continues to be a strong suit as shown. The largest upward trend was leaders participating in professional development. This data and climate survey gives our building areas to continue our focus. We can never settle with being okay; we have to continue to reflect, evaluate, analyze, and make changes in order to continue to be successful for our students.

Data doesn’t lie; we can make growth in certain areas with necessary changes. Taking a look in the mirror from time to time is also necessary; mirrors don't lie either.




April 2018

Teachers "Speed Date" Through iWow Projects

Looking at the school calendar, at times it says “No School-Staff Development.” What does this mean?

Professional development (PD) is defined as “ the process of improving staff skills and competencies needed to produce outstanding educational results for students” (Hassel, 1999). As Thomas Guskey (2000, p.4) states, “One constant finding in the research literature is that notable improvements in education almost never take place in the absence of professional development.” Professional development is key to meeting today’s educational demands.

As a result, school districts plan time during the year to meet those educational demands through professional learning opportunities. In early April, USD 490 teachers were charged with using their PD for an iWOW (I Work on Whatever) project. This gives teachers the flexibility and time to create projects that they will use in their classrooms. The iWow PD finished projects have provided EMS students with some high-engaging and cognitive opportunities.

Some staff members or teams chose to work together this year for their projects, while others worked independently. Many times, staff never get the opportunity to share with their colleagues the cool projects they created. During inservice last week, EMS staff members participated in sharing their projects through “Speed Dating.” Though it wasn’t truly dating, it was taking three minutes and sharing with a partner what the iWOW project was and how to incorporate it into the classroom. After three minutes, one person would rotate. To add a twist, staff members were provided a table of props to choose from to add to the fun. An overall “Best Date” award was presented to Mrs. Gina Meyer and Mr. Russell Baker. Best overall iWOW project was awarded to Mrs. Erin Nichols.

Many of the topics discussed and implemented during PD are a result of needs taken from our school improvement plan and the district’s strategic plan. Growing professionally and continually moving forward to meet the needs of our students is our focus for professional development. And because we are what we teach…middle school, it must include some fun and engagement.

References:

Guskey, T. (2000). Evaluating professional development. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

Hassel, E. (1999). Professional development: Learning from the best. Oak Brook, IL: North Central Regional Educational Laboratory (NCREL).


PD - iWOW Share.m4v

March 2018

Handwriting...It Is Still Necessary

Even with today’s technology and the ability to type things and take down information faster, there is still something to be said with simply using pen and paper. Though an “old-fashioned” method, note taking by using the art of handwriting has proven to be one of the best ways to remember content. Because typing is faster than writing, more information can be written; however, when writing and using longhand, a person is more selective on what is actually written down. This selection and the extra time it takes to handwrite information is what benefits learners.

In addition to the benefits of processing information through handwriting, researchers have also found that using a laptop or other device can create distractions. It is so easy to flip over to Facebook or to quickly check emails. These distractions can also take away from learning and create opportunities for the note taker to miss key information.

As we continue to increase our skills in a technological world, it important that with technology, we still look at how it can best benefit the learner. I myself prefer to type; however, I know if I need to totally remember the content for a longer period of time, I must handwrite it. This is why I still have an old-fashioned planner, because when I write the activity, it is as if it is written in my brain. This holds true for me also when reading text. I still find the satisfaction of reading an actual book: the tactile part of turning each page and the ability to move the book. If I have a choice of a digital copy or a hard copy, I still tend to prefer the hard copy for long reads.

So the next time you are asked to take notes, test yourself. Do you do better typing and remembering, or do you do better with handwriting and recalling information? You might be surprised to find that putting down the laptop is necessary.

February 2018

Recipe for Success

I had the opportunity to attend a career fair and met some very eager and enthused future teachers. These events remind me of how exciting this time is for someone just starting out in the teaching profession. They are academically prepared, on the verge of graduating from college, and excited about having their own classroom. After meeting more and more of these new teachers, I thought: how might I bottle this enthusiasm, positive attitude and belief that they WILL indeed one day change the world?

Every teacher, whether just starting out or one that is entering their twentieth year in education, has the notion that they can impact and make a positive change in a student’s life. That really is the reason most go into the profession.

So, how could I create this magical potion? What would I need?

  • 2 Tablespoons of collaboration 1 Cup of unconditional love
  • 3 Tablespoon of empathy
  • 1/4 cup of passion
  • 1 Cup of ability to develop relationships with students 2 teaspoons of dedication
  • 1/2 cup of content knowledge
  • 1/2 cup knowledge of curriculum standards
  • 1 cup of classroom management
  • 1/2 cup of good communication
  • 1/4 cup of sense of humor
  • 3/4 cup imagination
  • 2 Cups of flexibility
  • A pinch of fearlessness

Slowly mix all ingredients together. Simmer on low. While simmering, some ingredients will become more apparent, while others will seem to disappear. Continue stirring, folding and molding the mixture. Once ingredients have thickened, remove from heat. When cool, the mixture will look different then when heated. Sometimes ingredients will appear stronger in smell or less flavorful, however, all ingredients are necessary and dominate at certain times.

As I look at this recipe, I see a teacher ready for today’s 21st century learners. All ingredients in this recipe are important and depend on each other. Each play a vital role; sometimes one is needed more often than another. However, during a school day, all will be utilized.

As a I think of the energy and excitement I saw while meeting these new, ready to graduate college students, I found the perfect potion. When I think about the teachers I get the pleasure of working with each and every day, I believe EMS has already captured this potion. We are cooking with the perfect recipe for student success!


January 2018

Ahhh...Kansas

January 29th we get the opportunity to celebrate Kansas Day. In 1861 Kansas was the 34th state admitted to the union. Thinking about this makes me remember what growing up in Kansas is all about.

I still laugh when I remember my Arizona cousins visiting the first part of the summer. Because we lived in the country near a sand creek, we had lots of stickers that grew in the yard. In addition to my siblings and I having to hand dig the stickers, my dad also burned the yard off each year. When the cousins arrived, most of the yard would be black. I remember my younger cousin asking her mom why there was only black grass in Kansas. I recall thinking as a kid, “Really? They don’t know that grass is burned to keep the weeds down?” It was actually my naiveness and lack of world knowledge that made me the one who knew so little. If I had traveled to Arizona, I would probably have asked, “Why do people put all those rocks in their yards?”

I remember winters growing up in Kansas, too. It used to snow and snow a lot. I can recall one winter when it snowed so much that we were snowed in, literally. We lived five miles in the country, and my dad worked for the County. We didn’t have school that day, but we had a clear path to our house in no time. The county grader was there to clear the path so my dad could get to work helping with snow removal. I remember playing in the pasture that day and the snow being as high as the fence posts. The corral by our house was made out of 2 x 6’s. I remember walking on top of the fence, chasing my brother, slipping off of the fence and going feet first into the snow. When I looked up, I saw nothing but snow. I had fallen and the snow had covered my whole body. The more I kicked to get out, the deeper I went in! I wasn’t yet touching the ground, but I remember hearing my brothers laughing. They braced themselves on the fence, reached down for me, cleared the area around my head and pulled me up. What would it be like to have a snow like that now in Kansas?

We also had a creek about 200 yards from my house. My brothers and I spent lots of time in the creek playing and exploring. I remember us walking down the creek one day to see how far we could go. We made it about a mile before we had to turn around because the beavers had made such a large dam that we couldn’t pass. We couldn’t go around because we were barefoot and remember what we had lots of…? STICKERS! So, we turned back. I think about this today and wonder how different our world is now. I don’t think I would let my kids walk alone in a creek barefoot, unsupervised. I remember us seeing snakes, and we always came home with a few too many leaches, but what fun it was! The crystal clear water, the huge cottonwood trees, and the only sounds around were the birds and the faint hum of farm equipment in the fields.

This creek also became the location that sand was taken to make blacktop for the highways. It was always a huge treat when the dozer would come and dam up the creek. The mound of sand left for us to play on was massive as well. The creek water level would normally be about shin high, however it would become a large swimming pool. The water level would get higher than our heads. The joy was the day the dam would break. We would stand on top of the bridge and watch the water start to eat away at the edges of the sand. In a matter of minutes, what was a slow trickle became a roaring river. I can still hear my dad telling us, as we stood on the bridge, how important it was to always respect water. He told us people did not understand the power of water and the damage that could be done in a short amount of time. Days later the huge swimming pool had returned to a small stream. With the inconsistency of rains in Kansas today, that creek is most often dry.

Kansas winds, now those I remember, too. My seventh grade year, I was at a high school track meet helping run events. It was expressly windy this particular day. I remember a senior guy running the 400 yard dash (Yes, we measured distance for track by yards, not meters). This student was on the final corner headed to the finish line. When he rounded the corner, he ducked down to face the head-on wind. As he started to finish the corner running in the lead, bomb, he was gone. He had literally been blown off the track! He gained his footing and off he went. I do not recall if he ended up winning, but I do remember those winds!

Growing up in Kansas has been wonderful. As I travel to other places on vacation, I am in awe at our beautiful sunsets, the swaying wheat fields, the gyp hills, and the flat plains that Kansas offers. As I remember the Kansas climate of my childhood, I realize how different it is today. Boy, what I wouldn’t give for a few feet of snow, some high winds and a Kansas from long ago. AHHH, Kansas!



December 2017

Reflection

The last few years my daughter has made a memory jar. Anytime she has something significant happen, she writes it on a little piece of paper and places it in a jar in her bedroom. By years end, the jar is extremely full. She takes time over the month of January to read all of her memories. For a fifteen year old teen, I find this very insightful. Just today she shared with me that each month she writes a short summary of what occurred that month. I couldn’t believe it. This will be so powerful for her when she is older, like me, and can’t remember what occurred the day before.

Even as an adolescent, she has learned the power of reflection and analyzing situations. This small but meaningful process is assisting her in making decisions and learning from her past experiences. She has already learned the importance of the quote from Jim Rohn, “If you don’t change your approach than you will never change your results.”

This process of reflecting is very powerful and necessary in order to continue to grow personally and professionally. Looking back on the years’ events and situations, and examining the interactions, reactions, and emotions that occurred can be overwhelming. Experience alone won’t change your mindset or your approach to how you do things. It’s your understanding of that experience that creates a paradigm shift. In order to make positive changes, one must look at the past and determine if what they did was correct or how they might have done it differently. Even if there is no change needed, it is still important to reflect and go through the process. If you stop to reflect, you give yourself some space to allow your understanding to catch up! This is so important for learning.

As the 2017 year wraps up, I hope you take some time to reflect and continue to learn from your experiences.


November 2017

El Dorado Middle School Parent Survey Results

During parent-teacher conferences, all USD 490 parents are asked to complete a survey to assist each school in programming and communication. Fall and spring survey results are analyzed to determine areas of relative strength and weakness, which are then addressed as part of the building improvement plan.

The graph below shows the average positive approval rating for the Fall 2017 Parent Surveys for El Dorado Middle School.

Overall, out of 422 students, 55 respondents completed the survey for EMS. The information gained provides us feedback and helps to determine what we are doing well and where we need to make improvements.

    • 96% of survey participates Feel the School is a Safe Place to Learn, up 2% from last year.
    • The greatest increases in percentage of positive response over last fall were in the areas of Positive Relationships (up 7%) and High Expectations (increase of 8%).
    • The largest decrease in ratings fell in the area of Event Communication (decrease of 12%).
    • Emailing is still considered the Preference for Receiving Information at the middle school level.
    • And 100% of respondents Want Their Child to Attend College or Other Schooling After High School.
    • An overall approval rating of 92% was given for El Dorado Middle School.

Your feedback matters to us and we look for opportunities in order to gain even more participation in the future. The greater your response rate on these surveys, the more accurate that feedback becomes. Thank you for completing them and giving us your opinions.


October 2017

Silence is Golden

When I was growing up, my parents raised a HUGE garden. We cleaned corn, picked tomatoes, snapped green beans, dug potatoes, and grew pumpkins and cantaloupe.

These were just a few things we planted and harvested each year, and yes, we canned everything we could! When those chores were finished, we thought we would have time to rest. However, we were also responsible for digging stickers out of the yard. We lived in the country right next to a creek, and stickers grew like no other. Being “caught up” was something that would never happen. My dad did not spread chemicals on the lawn to prevent stickers from growing. The manual labor and consistent removal of the stickers eliminated any need for chemical treatment. Still to this day, my dad takes his shovel and five-gallon bucket and digs stickers.

During the summer, my three brothers and I spent a lot of time outside weeding and working in the garden. As a kid, we didn’t have a phone with a wireless headset to play music while we worked. We had the silence of the outdoors and thoughts of our own mind. Looking back, I know my parents didn’t know the power of these small acts. Hard work and contributing to the family was expected. In addition, time outdoors also allowed time for thinking and processing. Today, students are missing this huge experience…the experience of silence. Rarely do we see students engaged in an activity without music playing, the television on in the background, a phone with a game going, or someone talking to them. The avoidance of silence has impacted the current school-age child and the ability to self-regulate and reflect. Vehicles are even equipped with televisions to “occupy” children. Think about the time spent as a child looking out the window and thinking….watching the buildings pass or the fields go by. I wonder if kids even know this was “normal” back in the day?

As I reflect on silence and its importance, I am reminded that we adults need this as well. Sitting quietly, thinking, reflecting, and experiencing silence can have huge benefits. As I think back to the hours of gardening and working outside, I find myself appreciating those times of silence, and I, today, need to find more time for silence in my life.

September 2017

Grit...It's So Important

How is that some people seem to have an inner voice or an internal drive that causes them to want to succeed and be successful? What is it about these people that make them stand out and seem to have the desire to WIN? It’s called GRIT!

Grit is a distinct combination of passion, resilience, determination, and focus that allows a person to maintain the discipline and optimism to persevere in their goals even in the face of discomfort, rejection, and a lack of visible progress for years, or even decades.

When psychologist Angela Duckworth studied people in various challenging situations, including National Spelling Bee participants, rookie teachers in tough neighborhoods, and West Point cadets, she found:

One characteristic emerged as a significant predictor of success. And it wasn't social intelligence. It wasn't good looks, physical health, and it wasn't IQ. It was grit.

Using the Grit Scale that Duckworth developed with Chris Peterson, they found that grit is a better indicator of GPA and graduation rates. (IQ, however, is very predictive of standardized test scores.)

Add to this the findings (from Bowen, Chingos and McPherson's Crossing the Finish Line) that high school grades have a more predictive value of college success than standardized tests, and you may just see a shift from standardized test scores to high school GPA by some college admissions officers. As GPA becomes more important, grit will become more recognized as a vital part of 21st century student success -- as well it should be.

The following characteristic were also found when discussing people with grit.

  1. Courage
  2. Conscientiousness: Achievement Oriented vs. Dependable
  3. Long-term Goals and Endurance: Follow Through
  4. Resilience: Optimism, Confidence, and Creativity
  5. Excellence vs. Perfection

It will be interesting to continue to follow Duckworth’s research on grit. It is so important that schools teach our students about grit and how it can impact their futures.

(Click on the word GRIT to access video)

GRIT

August 2017

The Power of The Candy Bar

It’s day two of a conference in June. I have learned some new things, have presented earlier that day, and am finding myself getting sleepier and sleepier. It’s about 2:00 PM; I could really use a nap about now! Suddenly, I am startled by the sound of clapping around me. I stand up and proceed out the door with the rest of the educators in the room.

What happens next is something I wish I had video taped. I hear laughter, excitement and giggling. Then, I hear people saying, “This is the coolest thing ever.” There are over 1500 people at this conference. People are everywhere. I wonder what everyone is talking about, so I stand in line to see. Then I see it… THE CANDY BAR: Eight tall jars filled with candy.

Each jar has a different type of candy and a scoop. I watch people take a bag and begin to fill their own treat bags. It has been years and years since I have experienced the joy of filling up a bag of assorted candies.

Whoever thought of this idea is brilliant. The creator of The Candy Bar has just boosted the moral of an entire venue. How? What is so special about a few jars of candy? Does the candy represent a time of childhood and simpler things? Does the candy make us recall a favorite memory or a time hanging out with friends?

For me, the candy represents innocence and fun. Growing up we didn’t have access to a lot of candy, so getting a treat was a big deal.

After filling my bag with my favorite candy pieces, I find a seat and sit down. I then continue to watch as people take their own first glimpse of The Candy Bar. Immediate smiles occur on their faces. The Candy Bar is making people happy! I know right then after seeing all the positive responses of these adults, that I too have to have a Candy Bar at El Dorado Middle School for our teachers upon their return from summer break.

So, after following a long lunch and taking a dive into NWEA data, the EMS staff takes a break. They are presented with their own Candy Bar. Their reactions are very similar to those of the teachers from the summer.

It seems sometimes, the simplest of things such as a Candy Bar can be the means to finding a little happiness. How long has it been since you filled your bag full of candy? Your happiness might just lie in the simplest of things.