September '24 

November '24 

Summary of October Projects for IUP Principal Certification

October Summary for IUP Principal Certification

This summary reflects the efforts made in October to enhance student engagement, teacher professional development, behavior management, and various administrative processes within the school. Key activities built on insights from September's initiatives and incorporated best practices learned from shadowing sessions and collaborative efforts with staff and stakeholders.

1. Positive Communication Initiative (Standard 1.2)

In Progress: 🏃

In October, I initiated a Positive Communication Program, aiming to improve student morale by having teachers send two positive communications per week. Postcards were placed in mailboxes, but due to a low submission rate, I aligned this initiative with my SPM (Student Performance Measure), ensuring a more structured approach. Staff now checks off each communication to ensure broad student coverage, and "Student of the Quarter" rewards recognize exemplary students.

3. PBIS Presentation and Behavior Management Flowchart (Standard 3.1)

Completed: ✅

Ten staff members (including volunteers, department heads, and SAP members) attended a post-faculty meeting presentation on PBIS and its gradual rollout. A draft behavior flowchart was shared, distinguishing between minor (teacher-managed) and major (office-managed) infractions, ensuring consistent handling of behaviors and alignment with Edinsight for tracking interventions. This flowchart will streamline responses to various behaviors, enhancing overall discipline management.

4. Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Flowchart (Standards 3.1, 4.3)

Completed: ✅

Working with Alycia Steinberger, I developed an MTSS flowchart tailored to South Williamsport High School based on the Owen J. Roberts model. The framework offers a tiered approach:

   - Tier 1: General data collection, counselor interventions, and SEInstrument assessments.

   - Tier 2: Structured study halls, goal-setting, and mental health support as needed.

   - Tier 3: Special education referrals and comprehensive support services.

This structured approach allows the school to address academic and behavioral challenges at varying intensity levels.

5. Professional Development Exit Survey (Standard 7.3)

In Progress: 🏃

To assess and improve professional development sessions, I created an exit survey for teachers, gathering feedback on session relevance, effectiveness, and areas for improvement. This data will guide future PD planning, ensuring alignment with staff needs and school goals.

Exit Survey questions were created to assess the effectiveness and thoughts on  recent and future Professional Development School Wide and District wide.

Overall, how effective do you feel the recent professional development sessions have been?

• Very Effective

• Somewhat Effective

• Neutral

• Somewhat Ineffective

• Very Ineffective

What specific aspects of the recent professional development did you find most valuable?
(Open-ended)

What aspects of the recent professional development could be improved?
(Open-ended)

How likely are you to apply what you learned from recent professional development sessions in your classroom or role?

• Very Likely

• Somewhat Likely

• Neutral

• Somewhat Unlikely

• Very Unlikely

What topics or areas would you like to see covered in future professional development sessions?
(Open-ended)

How would you rate the relevance of the professional development topics to your daily work?

• Highly Relevant

• Somewhat Relevant

• Neutral

• Somewhat Irrelevant

• Highly Irrelevant

Do you feel that you have enough time to implement and reflect on new practices introduced in professional development sessions?

• Strongly Agree

• Agree

• Neutral

• Disagree

• Strongly Disagree

Are there additional resources or support you feel would enhance the effectiveness of professional development?
(Open-ended)

8. Senior Project and Credentials Exploration (Standards 4.1, 4.2)

In Progress: 🏃

I consulted Ryan Carper about developing a summative senior project and researched credentialing opportunities with the guidance office. These efforts aim to enhance students' career readiness and offer meaningful post-secondary preparation.

9. Evaluation of Kooth Mental Health Program (Standard 6.2)

In Progress: 🏃

I reached out to PA State Representative Jamie Flick to assess the effectiveness of Kooth, an online mental health resource. This evaluation will help determine the program’s impact and inform future mental health resource decisions. A meeting is scheduled for November 14th, 2024.

10. School Law Issues and Policy Review (Standard 6.3)

Completed: ✅

I participated in committee meetings to discuss school law topics such as cell phone policies and educational technology. We retained a three-strike policy but explored ways to incorporate educational use more explicitly, balancing discipline with practical applications in learning.

11. Staff Supervision and Administrative Interview (Standard 7.4)

In Progress: 🏃

I am scheduled to meet with Principal Jesse Smith to review the school's supervision structure, gaining insight into the roles and responsibilities of each administrator. This analysis will help in updating the supervision model, aligning it with current school needs.

13. Curriculum Alignment (Standard 4.4)

Completed: ✅

Reaching out to Melissa Ogden and Mike Steppe is an important step to an organized curriculum. I would like to Ogden focus on input output devices, credible sources and online safety, but most importantly: feel supported by a wealth of content resources that are age appropriate.

An email was sent to Melissa Ogden attempting to coordinate devices and licenses such as Sphero Coding Bots and Code Combat licenses.

14. Standard 5.2: Collaborative Engagement with Community for School Improvement and Student Development

Completed: ✅

In alignment with Standard 5.2, I initiated What If Wednesdays, a bi-weekly email and publication project aimed at promoting open dialogue on critical safety topics like swatting, cyberbullying, active shooter scenarios, suicide, and TikTok challenges. This project is designed to foster proactive communication among staff, enhancing awareness and preparedness for these challenges within our school community.

Additionally, I incentivized staff participation by arranging a food truck, offering school apparel, offering coverage and dress down opportunities. This effort not only supports school safety and student development but also cultivates a partnership-based approach to addressing community-wide concerns.