Staff 3 - 072715: #leadlearner or ancora imparo?

#LeadLearner or Ancora Imparo

This view from the routiest trap at the Scenic Overlool offered a perspective unlike much of the rest of the area.  On a clear day, they say Missouri is noticalbe to the north.
But to get this perspepctive, we have to move seats, get a new ride, or change our posture.

I have been thinking how to start this year differently all summer long!  I had prepared a lengthly blog for scheduled release, till yesterday.  I found these two posts and they both resonated with my thoughts and wishes for this school year. 
Please read them.
Would we be ready for this? 
Am I ready for this? 
Does it align with what I had in mind as described below?

STAFF: PLEASE READ THIS BLOG #1 
and THIS BLOG #2.

This WAS the introduction for the planned release!

"On the first day back after my vacation, while reading an administration article on the #leadlearner in a school, the last sentence mentioned this quote: Ancora Imparo.  Since coming across that phrase, I have been rallying myself behind the deeper meaning of this Michelangelo quote.  Attributed to him on his 87^th (or some say 83^rd) birthday in 1562, it translates roughly into Yet, I still learn and carries an overtone of continual growth, progress and possible advancement.  Implications of learning for all left me speechless.  (That only lasted a moment.) But the quote, Ancora Imparo, has stuck with me and motivated me to focus on change within myself.

POP QUIZ:

I had to do a quick Google search on the quote and Michelangelo.  How long did it take Michealangelo to paint the Sistine Chapel ceiling?  

a.      Four weeks
b.      Four months
c.      Four years
d.      Four decades*

PS. Below are additional adjustments I intend to implement as continued from earlier Staff Blogs:

1.     Once school begins, I will strive to publish my weekly messages on Thursday and not Friday or Monday as years past. Hopefully, this allows staff enough time to build, ponder, consider, and plan accordingly. (Thanks for the hint MR.)

2. I have also considered a 3 minute egg timer. I often say, “Less is more.” Let’s make that happen. Invite me to your room to ask a question, look for feedback or share without pressure and test my resolve. I want to respect your time!

* Pick “C.” Four years to paint the ceiling, while standing up, and NOT laying down as rumored." 

Again, these two are the links as quoted above.  Please ensure you have reviewed them. 
This will take us to the #nextlevel.

1. From Beth Houf - Fulton Middle School

http://inservice.ascd.org/how-do-you-motivate-middle-school-students-by-inspiring-teachers-to-think-outside-the-box-on-the-first-day-of-school/?crlt_pid=camp.onBhIriAFhHN

 

2. From another Twitter Link:
http://www.cultofpedagogy.com/classroom-icebreakers/?utm_content=buffer004a0&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

"Ancora Imparo" Staff 2

School in just a matter of weeks.

July 20, 2015

 

Up early to take in this sunrise after a night of storms.  

The blanket of fog filled the Grand Canyon of Arkansas.

Introduction

I just spent a few days in Arkansas riding my motor scooter, exploring some of the twisting roads and local diners throughout the rural Ozark Mountains near a little town nestled by the Buffalo River named Jasper.  The Gordon Motel, a true town square with the stately stone courthouse in the middle, The Ozark Café with the quaint counter, booths and tables, and gas station still offering “filler-up” service all portrayed an authentic Mayberry RFD atmosphere.  (Does anybody know what the RFD** stands for?)  It was like they chose to throw-back to a different era, where times were easier and safer and worries were addressed in a half hour television show.  We no longer have that luxury.  We can’t just sit back and hope for the best but must take a proactive approach. 

Please read this link

For this week’s communique, please read this post about what I feel is valuable and vital for the beginning of a school year.  These are things I would like to see early in every classroom this year.  Many of these items already exist in some format or another and we may only need to briefly chat about their articulation. This week, July 20th, I would like to ask staff to consider what these components would look like in their classes. 

               

                Suggested Day 1: - (See the details in this blog)

http://mrmccrackensblog.blogspot.com/2015/07/is-it-time-yet-what-happens-on-day-1-in.html 

SWBAT: Begin to understand rules, procedures, inner-personal relationships, anarchy, bullying, coaching and democracy in this room and building.

1.       Seating Chart (alphabetical)

2.       Rules verses Procedures conversation (split paper into 4 boxes)

3.       Omit all Dark Sarcasm - Manners

4.       Course Syllabus including:

       Grading scale, class expectations, course objectives and parent signature line due tomorrow

5.       Entering and Leaving classrooms

6.       Stool Sheet-Do Now-Bell Ringers (bell to bell activity)

7.       Attention Getting Mechanisms – raise hand etc

8.       Students to report to you what GRADE they expect in yours and every other class on 3X5 card

9.       Attitude correlates to altitude…

10.   Assignment – Return Signed Syllabus tomorrow.             

Again, please read this blog about my expectations of what the first few days of school look like. 

Thank you.

Tom McCracken

**Rural Free Delivery (I had to google it.  I mistakenly thought it was Rural Fire District)

*Alcora Imparo - "I am still learning"

July Post to Winfield Middle School Staff 1

Winfield Middle School 

 School Year 2015-16

 

 
July 8, 2015

I would like to improve in a few areas, especially communication with teachers at Winfield Middle School.  Areas of focus might be found in the timing, delivery and feedback surrounding this necessary component of successful operations.  What follows may address those areas specifically.

Communications

Two  - Way
Leaders often think of themselves as approachable but only their teams know this accurately. In order to improve here, I would like to invite teachers to "invite me to your room."  Please invite me in or have me come to your room for a discussion, clarification or feedback on something.  Give me an expected time limit and if you need more or less background.  I often share what I think is important but I do not want to overload or burden others with unnecessary minutia behind every decision.  However, I do want to supply sufficient background information.

Speaking of Decisions
I will strive to make decisions shortly after presented with the issue if there is enough information reasonably available to reach an educated choice. I may not make the decision as soon as presented with the opportunity and may need to verify, confirm or investigate other options but will commit to easing some tension. 

Timely
I will strive to use multiple yet redundant methods of communication to reach diverse types of readers.
1.  This blog written primarily for the teachers and staff of Winfield Middle School and dated for Monday but it may be delivered earlier in the weekend.
2. An email will contain the link to this blog and contain the data as well.  A Remind 101 link will also provide additional documentation to access the information off campus.
3. Friday afternoons are typically rough times to receive important emails, but in an effort to help planning purposes for the week, I will strive to get the email/blog to teachers inbox before Monday morning. 
4. Building wide, we use Outlook Calendar containing an invitation component and I will use this for some events.  District events are organized, scheduled and published on the Tandem Calendar.  We will need to determine how detailed we will need to be on this component so I will appreciate your feedback.

Feedback
With feedback vital to growth and progress, I will work to supply both positive as well as constructive feedback.  We will work to facilitate communication based on observations and data.  Objective and neutral feedback looking to address building topics such as rigor, engagement, students opting out and opportunities to respond like published on our NEE tool.

Faculty Concerns
Teachers will be held accountable for the faculty handbook. Faculty information and ongoing  housekeeping will be published through written communication modes as mentioned above.  Expectations such as assembly details may need a broad introduction early with final details following later.