I hope everyone is enjoyed their Thanksgiving weekend and took time time to reflect on all the blessings in their life. On Wednesday, November 25th, I held what I like to call "Turkey Talk"- a day devoted to providing staff a chance to visit with me and me a chance to review some of the major topics facing MCHS. Over 40 people stopped by and I really enjoyed the day. Curriculum director Kathleen Wilkey stopped by and provided helpful insights into our curriculum improvement efforts.
The topics covered included:
School Improvement Cycle-
Tax Levy
Financial Projections
Highlight power-point
I invite you to visit the Superintendent section of the Morris Community High School website to view information about the above topics. We are working on a district newsletter in an effort to provide the community with information on a variety of topics.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Response to Intervention
There has been a great deal of "angst" and "anxiety" surrounding the implementation of a Response to Intervention (RTI) program at the high school level. The development of the plan in December of 2008 was a real shot in the dark as everyone scrambled to understand this new requirement. The idea is to provide academic and behavioral interventions to students in an effort to improve achievement for all students. A by-product of successful implementation is also intended to decrease the number of students requiring special education services. All great goals!
The challenge is to create a "systems" approach to your RTI program so that your activities are aligned and working toward common goals.
I had the pleasure of listening to presenters from Rolling Meadows High School in Rolling Meadows, Illinois at the State Superintendents conference in Springfield this week. Listening to their presentation was a great equalizer to the gloom and doom budget presentations we all endured. Rolling Meadows High School has successfully implemented an RTI program that is helping produce measurable results and positive gains in student achievement.
I was encouraged as I reflected on where MCHS is in this process because I recognized elements of our plan inside the presenters model. I was also frustrated because we have a "ton to do" in a short period of time. We need to build the support of our entire learning community to implement and sustain this systems approach- but we can do it!!
I really enjoyed their presentation because it validated my own vision and belief in the intent of RTI- that is- improved student achievement. I think this requirement is really forcing schools to develop systems and structures that promote continuous improvement- a structure that our leadership team believes strongly in!!
I have included the link to Rolling Meadows High School- go check it out- they certainly seem to be on the cutting edge!!
http://rmhs.d214.org/rmhsmodel
All the school improvement plans, Federal grant requirements, RTI requirements, and quest for making data driven decisions seem to be coming together in an aligned systems approach- what could be better??
The challenge is to create a "systems" approach to your RTI program so that your activities are aligned and working toward common goals.
I had the pleasure of listening to presenters from Rolling Meadows High School in Rolling Meadows, Illinois at the State Superintendents conference in Springfield this week. Listening to their presentation was a great equalizer to the gloom and doom budget presentations we all endured. Rolling Meadows High School has successfully implemented an RTI program that is helping produce measurable results and positive gains in student achievement.
I was encouraged as I reflected on where MCHS is in this process because I recognized elements of our plan inside the presenters model. I was also frustrated because we have a "ton to do" in a short period of time. We need to build the support of our entire learning community to implement and sustain this systems approach- but we can do it!!
I really enjoyed their presentation because it validated my own vision and belief in the intent of RTI- that is- improved student achievement. I think this requirement is really forcing schools to develop systems and structures that promote continuous improvement- a structure that our leadership team believes strongly in!!
I have included the link to Rolling Meadows High School- go check it out- they certainly seem to be on the cutting edge!!
http://rmhs.d214.org/rmhsmodel
All the school improvement plans, Federal grant requirements, RTI requirements, and quest for making data driven decisions seem to be coming together in an aligned systems approach- what could be better??
Friday, September 25, 2009
"Start Me Up"
Wow- the start of a new school year still brings a high level of excitement and energy- and a ton of work!! The Rolling Stones song "Start Me Up" captures the current climate at MCHS- a lot of activities and great opportunities for our students.
On Monday morning- the program Rachel's Challenge will be presented. This is a highly acclaimed presentation with a powerful message about the impact of "acts of kindness" and will surely be a great experience for our students and community. Check out our website at http://www.morrishs.org for more information.
The Board of Education approved the strategic plan that was developed in August. You can view this plan at www.morrishs.org/vnews/display.v/SEC/Administration>>Superintendent (Click on Board of Education Strategic Plan)
These goals help form the basis of each administrators action plan for the year and help shape the department goals as well.
MCHS has introduced a "redesigned" cooperative education program under the guidance of Business Department Chair Mrs. Barb Rath. 19 various local businesses and agencies have partnered with our school to provide internship opportunities for over 20 Morris High School seniors. These opportunities should prove valuable in preparing those students to enter "life after high school". So far, the program is off to a good start!
Last evening, parents came out in solid numbers for parent/teacher conferences. It is a great time for me to meet new parents and visit with those I already know. MCHS is fortunate to have a high level of parent support and we look forward to any feedback parents may have on this process. Mr. Hussey has implemented a parent appointment process that seems to be effective. I heard a lot of positive feedback on the process from those in attendance.
And finally the "Pinwheels for Peace" project put on by Mrs. Tesdal and the Art department was a real hit! It is always great to partner with the feeder schools and get high school and elementary students working together. I know as I made my pinwheel, it caused me to reflect on the importance of getting along, the current conflicts that are taking place around the world, and how lucky we are in this country to have the freedoms we so often take for granted.
The year is in full swing and off to a great start!!!
On Monday morning- the program Rachel's Challenge will be presented. This is a highly acclaimed presentation with a powerful message about the impact of "acts of kindness" and will surely be a great experience for our students and community. Check out our website at http://www.morrishs.org for more information.
The Board of Education approved the strategic plan that was developed in August. You can view this plan at www.morrishs.org/vnews/display.v/SEC/Administration>>Superintendent (Click on Board of Education Strategic Plan)
These goals help form the basis of each administrators action plan for the year and help shape the department goals as well.
MCHS has introduced a "redesigned" cooperative education program under the guidance of Business Department Chair Mrs. Barb Rath. 19 various local businesses and agencies have partnered with our school to provide internship opportunities for over 20 Morris High School seniors. These opportunities should prove valuable in preparing those students to enter "life after high school". So far, the program is off to a good start!
Last evening, parents came out in solid numbers for parent/teacher conferences. It is a great time for me to meet new parents and visit with those I already know. MCHS is fortunate to have a high level of parent support and we look forward to any feedback parents may have on this process. Mr. Hussey has implemented a parent appointment process that seems to be effective. I heard a lot of positive feedback on the process from those in attendance.
And finally the "Pinwheels for Peace" project put on by Mrs. Tesdal and the Art department was a real hit! It is always great to partner with the feeder schools and get high school and elementary students working together. I know as I made my pinwheel, it caused me to reflect on the importance of getting along, the current conflicts that are taking place around the world, and how lucky we are in this country to have the freedoms we so often take for granted.
The year is in full swing and off to a great start!!!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
President Obama Addresses Students
Today, President Obama spoke directly to America's students and challenged them to stay in school, work hard to overcome adversity, and leave their mark on society. The entire speech can be found at http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Remarks-by-the-President-in-a-National-Address-to-Americas-Schoolchildren/
It was very interesting and somewhat frustrating to witness and experience the "whirlwind" of speculation and debate that occurred prior to the speech. While we only received a couple of calls, Elementary schools in the area were bombarded with calls from concerned parents. MCHS left the decision up to teachers whether to show it live, use it later, or not show it at all. We had several teachers show the speech live and as I walked around the building, it appeared that some classes went about their business as usual, while others watched it on C-Span. Many of our students were at lunch during the presentation.
I watched part of the speech using streaming video- a technology that will soon be more readily available to us in the classroom and may prove to be a very useful instructional tool. I found the message to be that of encouragement and optimism- but also one of a challenge of this generation of students to use their talents to make an impact on society- be the next inventors-the next dreamers and doers of great things.
I asked a couple of teachers to provide me with feedback on what their students thought. One class thought that the speech was "very motivating but thought that it was geared towards inner-city schools and the less fortunate." They discussed the President mentioning Twitter, Facebook, and asking "what can we expect from your generation?" One student thought the speech was similar to the JFK "what can you do for your nation" challenge. Students also picked up on the personal challenges President Obama faced growing up and the importance of an education to get ahead in the world.
It will be interesting to listen to all the "experts" on television slice and dice the speech and provide their "expert" analysis. I will also be listening to our faculty and students for feedback.
Watching the students, teachers, administrators, and parents at Wakefield High School was exciting- but I must admit- I was a bit jealous! They obviously are a very high performing school- but really that could have been "any school USA"- I wondered how our student body president would have looked and sounded to the world introducing the President of the United States. How would I have done making the opening remarks to the country about why the President chose my school to deliver this address from.
What an experience for that entire community- we should all accept the challenges thrown out there- the biggest of them all is individual responsibility. Responsibility for your own learning, your own outcome, your own legacy.
Probably a great message for all of us to hear.
It was very interesting and somewhat frustrating to witness and experience the "whirlwind" of speculation and debate that occurred prior to the speech. While we only received a couple of calls, Elementary schools in the area were bombarded with calls from concerned parents. MCHS left the decision up to teachers whether to show it live, use it later, or not show it at all. We had several teachers show the speech live and as I walked around the building, it appeared that some classes went about their business as usual, while others watched it on C-Span. Many of our students were at lunch during the presentation.
I watched part of the speech using streaming video- a technology that will soon be more readily available to us in the classroom and may prove to be a very useful instructional tool. I found the message to be that of encouragement and optimism- but also one of a challenge of this generation of students to use their talents to make an impact on society- be the next inventors-the next dreamers and doers of great things.
I asked a couple of teachers to provide me with feedback on what their students thought. One class thought that the speech was "very motivating but thought that it was geared towards inner-city schools and the less fortunate." They discussed the President mentioning Twitter, Facebook, and asking "what can we expect from your generation?" One student thought the speech was similar to the JFK "what can you do for your nation" challenge. Students also picked up on the personal challenges President Obama faced growing up and the importance of an education to get ahead in the world.
It will be interesting to listen to all the "experts" on television slice and dice the speech and provide their "expert" analysis. I will also be listening to our faculty and students for feedback.
Watching the students, teachers, administrators, and parents at Wakefield High School was exciting- but I must admit- I was a bit jealous! They obviously are a very high performing school- but really that could have been "any school USA"- I wondered how our student body president would have looked and sounded to the world introducing the President of the United States. How would I have done making the opening remarks to the country about why the President chose my school to deliver this address from.
What an experience for that entire community- we should all accept the challenges thrown out there- the biggest of them all is individual responsibility. Responsibility for your own learning, your own outcome, your own legacy.
Probably a great message for all of us to hear.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Alfie Kohn
The Wilmington School District, Morris Community High School, Coal City Unit District, and possibly others are looking to provide a joint staff development opportunity in January at MCHS. Nationally renowned speaker Alfie Kohn may be coming to Morris on January 4th. His website can be found at http://www.alfiekohn.org/index.html
It is exciting to work together in an attempt to provide quality in-service opportunities for our staff.
More to come as this potential opportunity materializes!!!
It is exciting to work together in an attempt to provide quality in-service opportunities for our staff.
More to come as this potential opportunity materializes!!!
Friday, August 28, 2009
"Hello, Goodbye"
I consider myself an "on again off again" Beatles fan, but I found myself singing "Hello, Goodbye" the other day to myself and thought- wait- that fits this new school year perfectly!! "Hello" to our new staff members (and one returnee=)) and "Goodbye" to our retirees! We will lose over 146 years of combined experience! What a huge void to try and fill next year. Jane and Larry Vahle are pictured on top while Kristin Ehteshami and Joe Thomas are below.
Our new staff pictured at the top of the page consists of in front left to right; Jennifer Bamonte, Mary Rooks, Robert Johnson, Rob Wallon, and Don Stinson. Welcome aboard!
Our new staff went through a couple of days of in-service this summer and will benefit from our new teacher mentoring program that is now in place. Thanks to Cindy Shannon and Kathleen Wilkey for making this a reality and to our participating Mentors- you have an important job to do!
I talk often about leaving your legacy- making your mark on an organization- and our retirees have certainly done that. I wish them all a great year- a year full of "lasts"- but a year in which I hope they are able to identify and reflect on their many contributions to the lives of our students and staff- past and present!!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Congresswoman Halvorson
I was invited to an informal meeting today at the Grundy County administration building with U.S. Congresswoman Halvorson. The Mayors of Grundy County were concluding their meeting with her as I arrived and I was the only Superintendent there (two more came as I was leaving) and it gave me a chance to have a great discussion about the Federal Government and education- particularly the use of Stimulus funds and the new push called Race to the Top.
Halvorson made it clear right away that when the House authorized stimulus money be earmarked for education- it needed to go directly to the schools- instead- it goes to each State. Of course- Illinois uses stimulus money to plug the huge hole in the state budget- they use it to send schools like MCHS General State Aid- which we rely on heavily.
I was struck by how little influence the House had over the Senate's push to send this money to State's- we need this money to help cover the costs of numerous unfunded mandates- in particular- the cost of special education. 15% of our education fund costs are used for special education and these costs continue to increase- particularly for students placed in residential care facilities.
I am hopeful that the Federal government can regain a balance between the test driven requirements of NCLB and increase their support for vocational education- and help all schools meet the needs of students.
It is obvious that our lawmakers don't trust many local educational institutions- that was why it was easier to give the stimulus funds to each Governor (and they trust them more why?) instead of local schools- we need to turn this around!!
I enjoy the Congresswoman's energy and passion for what she does- I hope she can make a difference and represent the needs of this area- this meeting was a step in the right direction.
Halvorson made it clear right away that when the House authorized stimulus money be earmarked for education- it needed to go directly to the schools- instead- it goes to each State. Of course- Illinois uses stimulus money to plug the huge hole in the state budget- they use it to send schools like MCHS General State Aid- which we rely on heavily.
I was struck by how little influence the House had over the Senate's push to send this money to State's- we need this money to help cover the costs of numerous unfunded mandates- in particular- the cost of special education. 15% of our education fund costs are used for special education and these costs continue to increase- particularly for students placed in residential care facilities.
I am hopeful that the Federal government can regain a balance between the test driven requirements of NCLB and increase their support for vocational education- and help all schools meet the needs of students.
It is obvious that our lawmakers don't trust many local educational institutions- that was why it was easier to give the stimulus funds to each Governor (and they trust them more why?) instead of local schools- we need to turn this around!!
I enjoy the Congresswoman's energy and passion for what she does- I hope she can make a difference and represent the needs of this area- this meeting was a step in the right direction.
Friday, August 21, 2009
PSAE Mania!
I just finished an interview with the local newspaper about the improved scores at CCHS and thoughts about the benefits of a Unit district vs. a High School district.The reporter asked excellent follow-up questions and was looking for my sense as to why this neighboring high school was showing steady improvement on the annual PSAE exam. I shared that in my opinion, they are starting to reap the benefits of their leaders vision and they are slowly gaining teacher buy-in!! Improved teaching and learning and student achievement are the focus.
Elementary and Special Education teachers have it figured out- they know how to use student achievement data to figure out what kids need and how to give it to them. Too often we at the H.S. level throw the information out there and expect kids to "get it".
That being said- I am excited about the direction MCHS is headed- we have laid the foundation for success through a more formal K-12 articulation process, the hiring of a shared director of curriculum, a commitment to technology in the classroom, and an organized and focused staff development plan. We need continued staff buy-in as we move this "big bus" forward.
I am happy with the communication and improvement processes we have put in place over the last 6 years- but I know we need to continue to get better.
You know- not all newspaper interviews are fun- but that one was. Fun to reflect and fun to validate that the course we are on is a good one!!
Check out our website soon for updated PSAE scores and school improvement plans
Elementary and Special Education teachers have it figured out- they know how to use student achievement data to figure out what kids need and how to give it to them. Too often we at the H.S. level throw the information out there and expect kids to "get it".
That being said- I am excited about the direction MCHS is headed- we have laid the foundation for success through a more formal K-12 articulation process, the hiring of a shared director of curriculum, a commitment to technology in the classroom, and an organized and focused staff development plan. We need continued staff buy-in as we move this "big bus" forward.
I am happy with the communication and improvement processes we have put in place over the last 6 years- but I know we need to continue to get better.
You know- not all newspaper interviews are fun- but that one was. Fun to reflect and fun to validate that the course we are on is a good one!!
Check out our website soon for updated PSAE scores and school improvement plans
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Race to the Top
Today I participated in a webinar that highlighted the federal Race to the Top project- more stimulus dollars that will be granted to the most innovative and accountable States in the country. I am anxious to see how Illinois measures up in this first round of applications. Making data driven decisions is a key component- as is a State's ability to encourage charter schools and innovative programming.
Some of the components outlined involved using a growth model to measure progress- maybe the escalating AYP numbers- 77% this year- will give way to more realistic expectations?? Time will tell.
http://www.edweek.org/ew/index.html has updated information and will post the slides from today's webinar.
Some of the components outlined involved using a growth model to measure progress- maybe the escalating AYP numbers- 77% this year- will give way to more realistic expectations?? Time will tell.
http://www.edweek.org/ew/index.html has updated information and will post the slides from today's webinar.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Board Goal Setting Session
Members of the Board of Education and administrative team met Monday evening in a work study session to develop goals for the upcoming year and beyond. Dr. Don Kachur, a retired professor from Illinois State University and current leader of ASCD in Illinois, was our facilitator. The process went well and it was exciting to engage board members in conversations about continuous improvement.
I will provide details of our strategic plan as they become finalized.
It provided a great opportunity for me personally to review where we have been as a District and where we are headed. Principal Hussey has outlined a challenge for all of us to continue to get better and help all students achieve. Our goals are beginning to align- pointing in the same direction for the first time- and it is exciting!!
I will provide details of our strategic plan as they become finalized.
It provided a great opportunity for me personally to review where we have been as a District and where we are headed. Principal Hussey has outlined a challenge for all of us to continue to get better and help all students achieve. Our goals are beginning to align- pointing in the same direction for the first time- and it is exciting!!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Welcome to my blog spot!!
After reading numerous articles on the value of a "Superintendent Blog" and several discussions with colleagues, I have decided to utilize this communication tool- so thanks for reading! My purpose will be to provide information, insight, and a forum in order to gain feedback and ideas about Morris Community High School, leadership successes and challenges, organizational improvement ideas, and general discussion.
Check back soon for more information
Check back soon for more information
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