High Expectations in Action

One of the characteristics we work on with our students is GRIT.  Actually, we use that as an acronym for Gumption, Resiliency, Integrity, and Tenacity.  We talk about having a growth mindset and facing new challenges with the mentality of..."I can't do that...Yet!".  

Recently, some of our students had an opportunity to demonstrate GRIT and growth mindset as they delivered the keynote address at the division's Convocation program.  These six students, who are now 7th graders at Smithfield Middle, were in my math class last year at Westside Elementary.  Back then, I shared my expectations with them on presenting in front of their classmates.  When the day came for their first presentations, they were, how can I say this,.......they were bad.  Some were a little better than others, but they all needed a lot of work.  Some had their back to their class and talked into the whiteboard.  Others were too quiet, or spoke too fast, or didn't make eye contact with the audience. 

I was honest with the feedback I gave them, which is important for improvement.  So often adults will tell them "Good job" when, really, it wasn't a good job.  I told them I didn't expect them to be great with their presentations--yet! But I knew they could get there with practice and kind, specific, and helpful feedback.

Flash forward to May as my staff and I were discussing a keynote speaker for our Convocation program in August.  This was it!  What better test of GRIT and growth mindset than speaking in front of an audience. 

The six students I selected were not necessarily the best presenters but I knew they would commit to this project.  I knew they could do this, but some of them were not as confident.  I worked with them for a few days in May and June, and brought them back together for a few more practices in August.  They knew at any time during the practice I could stop them and give them feedback.  They were not going to hear "good job" unless it truly was good work.  I was impressed at the pride they had in their performance and how eager they were to hear feedback that only made their delivery better. 

On the day of Convocation, there were some nerves (including from me as well) but there was a tremendous amount of excitement.  I told them how much I loved them and how proud I already was of them.  I knew they were ready, but how would they do?  Would they crumple in front of over 500 teachers and staff?  Or would they nail it?

See for yourself.  Remember--these are 7th graders in front of an auditorium full of adults, and they were doing all of their lines from memory.  This is growth mindset and GRIT, and it's exactly what we should expect of our students every day.

IWCS and the County Fair: Providing Learning Experiences for our Students

Did you make it to the Isle of Wight County Fair last week?  If not, you missed out on a wonderful event.  I stopped by on Friday morning to see our students who were on a field trip to the fair.  All of our preschoolers, first, and second graders had an opportunity to visit the fair.  They visited the agriculture tent where they were greeted by one of our Agriculture students and a chicken from the Land Lab.  As they filed in the tent, some stopped to touch the bird's feathers, while others gave the bird a quick study.  Inside, they found more animals from our Land Lab, including goats, cows, and a donkey.  Farm Manager Daniel Judkins, Agriculture teacher Jason Brittle, and more Ag students shared information with the students about the livestock and answered many questions from the curious youngsters.  It seemed the most asked question was "Can I pet it?"  (Of course the answer was Yes)  They also saw crop plants that play an important role in the county's economy--cotton, peanuts, corn.

Opportunities like this are invaluable to our students.  Many of them have never seen these animals in real life, or they didn't realize that peanuts grow in the ground and cotton comes from a plant.  It is important to provide our students with exposure to these unique experiences.  It expands their understanding of real world situations and increases their chance for success both in and out of school.

The fair also demonstrates the partnership between the schools and the county.  IWCS was featured in one of the tents at the fair where we showcased student work from all of our schools.  A big Thank You to Instructional Coordinator Kristan Formella who organized our displays and the volunteers to man the tables throughout the weekend.  In addition, all of our schools decorated hay bales which were lined up at the entrance to the parking areas.  Both of our high schools bands performed at the fair and entertained the students during their field trip.

I had a fabulous time at the fair.  As much as I enjoyed it, I know the students enjoyed it even more.
And while it may seem like it was just a "field trip", it was a learning experience that provided students with exposure to new situations and environments.  Experiences like this are what our students need to better prepare them for the future.

Here's a short video from my day at the fair.  You'll see quite a few of our students, staff, and volunteers in the clip.  And, of course, the farm animals make an appearance.

Remembering 9/11

On Wednesday, all of our schools took time to reflect on the tragedy that occurred 18 years ago.  For many of us, we can tell you exactly where we were when we heard about the attack on our country.  The magnitude of the events on 9/11/01 were, and remain, unparalleled.  

It occurred to me that only a very few of our students were even born when 9/11 happened.  They only know it as a historical event and don’t have the same connection to it that their parents and teachers have. To keep past events relevant to our current students, we have to show them the significance of the events and explain the impact an event like 9/11 has on all Americans.

As part of Patriots’ Day, schools throughout the division organized age appropriate activities to remember the lives lost on 9/11 and to honor our first responders who work to keep us safe.

All schools received a Freedom Flag, the Commonwealth of Virginia's official symbol of September 11, 2001.  Smithfield High and Carrsville Elementary conducted ceremonies as the flag was raised and lowered in front of the school.  Local first responders were on hand and recognized by students and staff. 

At Westside Elementary, Mrs. Pryor’s students created a video that was shared with the school where they explained the symbolism of the Freedom Flag.  In other classes, students journaled their feelings about 9/11 and why they love living in the U.S. They discussed the event, why it’s important to remember, and had an opportunity to ask questions. 

Some schools delivered the message of the Freedom Flag in solemn, school-wide announcements. 

Windsor High shared a summary of events from 9/11 on the morning announcements prior to dedicating their moment of silence to those who lost their life that day and those who responded to the events.  A second Freedom Flag will be displayed at the WHS football field in September and the announcer will review the meaning of the symbols before home games. 

Smithfield Middle and Georgie Tyler Middle students participated in activities through their English or Social Studies classes that emphasized freedom and patriotism. 

Hardy Elementary shared the importance of the Freedom Flag and the first responders followed by a moment of silence.  Second graders read the story, September Roses and created American flags.  Windsor Elementary students made cards for local first responders that will be delivered to law enforcement and fire officials.

Carrollton Elementary students, faculty, and staff visited a “9/11 reflection spot” which featured an artistic representation of the twin towers on which faculty and staff members displayed remembrances of their experiences on that fateful day. Teachers shared the children’s book September 12: We Knew Everything Would Be All Right with their classes to honor the tragedy and sacrifice of September 11th while highlighting the bravery, hope, and grit demonstrated by first responders and communities as their stories continued.  

Students and staff throughout IWCS wore red, white, and blue to celebrate patriotism and demonstrate the resiliency of our country. 

I am constantly reminded that we have loving, caring students throughout our schools.  Empathy is one of the characteristics of GREAT students.  On Wednesday, our students demonstrated empathy through their words and actions as they remembered the events of 9/11 and the devastation directly inflicted on thousands of families.  They admire, respect, and appreciate our first responders who run towards danger as others run away.  I am incredibly proud of our students and our staff for the thoughtful displays of patriotism on 9/11.  Our community, and truly the nation, will be better for the lessons we are teaching our children now.

Commemorating 9/11

Welcome Back!

On Tuesday, September 3, we welcomed over 5,500 students back to school throughout Isle of Wight County.  It was great to see so many smiling faces on both the students and staff as I visited schools. 

Smithfield High and Windsor High hosted an "UnFirst Day".  Students actually attended both their first and second semester for about 15 minutes.  The teachers had team-building activities planned as the the students learned more about their teacher and each other as they immediately began work on building relationships.  The day ended with a Pep Rally to kick off the new school year!

 

Several schools had groups of community members joining in on the welcome back festivities.  Westside Elementary had members from First Gravel Hill Baptist Church who joined with teachers to greet students with smiles and applause as they headed to class.

Hardy Elementary also had numerous groups on hand to welcome students back to school, including several retired teachers from Hardy, Little Zion Church Men's ministry, Smithfield Christian Church and the Hardy PTA.  The PTA hosted a "Boo-Hoo" breakfast for parents and volunteers.

Members from the Sheriff's Office also joined in on the celebrations at many of our schools. At Georgie Tyler Middle, Dairy Queen and Community Electric participated in the festivities.

We did have an issue with water at Windsor Elementary which left the school without water in the bathrooms.  We elected to move the students to GTMS so they would have access to toileting facilities. Teachers did a fabulous job of welcoming the children back to school and keeping them focused throughout the end of the day.  

Then, of course, we had an unexpected day off today due to Hurricane Dorian.

In spite of those two issues, it has been an incredible first week of school.  

I hope you will continue to follow my blog.  Each Friday, I'll share insights about issues and events related to the school division.  

A big Thank You to our teachers, administrators, and families for your assistance with a smooth start to the school year.  And as Dorian heads out to sea, enjoy your weekend and enjoy a few pictures below from the first week.

Windsor High

Smithfield High

Smithfield Middle

Georgie Tyler Middle

Westside Elementary

Windsor Elementary

Hardy Elementary

Carrollton Elementary

Carrsville Elementary