Innocence

Having come from a middle school background (6th-8th grade), I continue to experience new and wonderful things at Central Woodlands with our 5th and 6th grade.  Being with our students is the best part of my day and I love talking to our students and "hanging" out with them in their classes.  They are so excited to learn new things and to show off their new knowledge to me whenever I come into the room.  One of the 5/6 philosophies is to keep our students "younger, longer."  In our world where it seems kids grow up faster than ever; the need for this is more important than ever before.

Yesterday, I was able to experience a moment that I will never forget.  

Pete the Cat

Every night, my son Cole and I read books together before bedtime.  Some of his favorite books right now are the Pete the Cat books.  He has one about Pete and a baseball game, Pete and the beach, and Pete and a giant sandwich.  Last night we read the original Pete the Cat...this one is my favorite.  For those who have not had the pleasure of reading it (I suggest you do), the story is about a cat who is in love with his new, white shoes.  During his walk, he steps in different things like mud that change the color of his shoes.  Each time, he loves the shoes no matter what color they turn.  At the end, the author tell us that moral of the story is that no matter what you step in, you just need to keep on walking along and singing your song.

I love this message and will often share this idea with our students.  During the course of the day, our students might have ups and downs, but no matter what, it is a good idea to keep on moving along and not let things bother you.  There is research to show resilience can significantly affect school and life outcomes for youth. As part of our Peacekeeper program at Central Woodlands, we work to give students the tools to bounce back if something is negatively affecting them. The more we can do at school and at home to help kids be resilient, the better off they will be!

Each day I look forward to helping our students learn how to "keep on walking and to sing their song."

Election Day - Tuesday, Nov. 5th!!!

We have an important bond election coming up on Tuesday, November 5th.  This Bond addresses three core areas:  Safety and Security, Technology, and Building Improvement Needs.  If approved by voters, this Bond will fund important initiatives throughout Forest Hills.  In addition, if it is approved, there is no tax rate increase expected for Forest Hills' families.  

There is a wonderful video that highlights key information about the bond.  This video can be accessed at FHPS Bond Video.  I would encourage you to "like" this video on Facebook and share it out on other social media sites.

More informational resources about the bond proposal can be found at our website at www.fhps.net and in the latest issue of the Focus newsletter.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. 

Please encourage your friends and neighbors to vote on Tuesday, November 5th.

Home Inspection

Today was our first day of MEAP testing.  Our students will be testing over the course of the next couple of weeks.  These annual state assessments are given to help schools understand areas of strength and areas of needed instructional focus.

In talking with our students in the halls and at lunch, many were excited to do their best on the MEAP.  This is all we ever ask is that students celebrate their knowledge on these tests.  We want to celebrate the hard work our students put in during the previous school year!

As I was thinking more about MEAP, it made me think of our recent Home Inspection on the house we are purchasing in Forest Hills.  The purpose of the Home Inspection is to give us a complete picture of how the house and what areas are fundamentally sound and what parts of the house need attention.  I look at the MEAP in the same way.  Having students take assessments like MEAP are only beneficial if we use the results to improve teaching and learning.  A MEAP score does not define who a child is...rather it gives us a better picture of what areas a student is strong in and what areas may need extra attention.  It can also tell us that a student is doing well in all areas and we need to find ways to challenge a student.  

Just as with a Home Inspection, the MEAP information is only useful if you use it.  I look forward to seeing our students do so we can work to meet the needs of every student!

Have a great night!

David