Happy New Year

So far my goal of keeping my blog up to date is not going well! Today I just had to reflect on the experience of joining elementary children as history is being made. I observed a third grade classroom, where students engaged actively for 45 minutes in a really thoughtful discussion of "why is this inauguration day special or important?" It was really interesting to hear what they already knew about historical figures such as Rosa Parks and Ruby Bridges. Students made the connection with a "Red Clover" book Mrs. Collins had read earlier about slavery. Not only did they engage in the lesson, they treated one another with respect, facing the speaker and giving each classmate an opportunity to speak or ask questions. Later, I joined first and second graders as we watched the swearing in together. They were interested in the event, and overwhelmed by the number of people in attendance. "There must be a thousand!" one child cried. "A thousand" is a big number to a six year old!

I was also impressed with the professional discussions that took place on Monday. Teachers worked very hard together to examine our benchmark data and make plans that will help all our students learn and grow between now and March, when we hold parent-teacher conferences. Our NECAP data has arrived, but will not be public for another week.

I hope to see some of you at the community roundtable this week - it is Thursday at 4:15 in the meeting room at the Episcopal church on Grand Avenue. If you can't make it there, maybe I will see you at the band concert on January 28th.