As much as this project was about providing our students with authentic experiences, it was about learning the importance of giving back to our community. However, I was overwhelmed at the bond that formed between the students and Mrs. Hobbs. They became her boys and she was like an adopted grandmother to them.
Sunday, October 6, 2019
The Hobbs' House: How Repairing a Citizen's Home Became More than Nails and Paint
In March, I wrote a blog called Building Relationships in the Community through Building Trades which highlighted the work of our students who were helping to rehabilitate a senior citizens home. The journey that began in early 2019 came to a close over the summer. The students completed work on Mrs. Hobbs' house, leaving her with a much nicer and safer structure for her to continue living in.
As much as this project was about providing our students with authentic experiences, it was about learning the importance of giving back to our community. However, I was overwhelmed at the bond that formed between the students and Mrs. Hobbs. They became her boys and she was like an adopted grandmother to them.
We have created a beautiful documentary that captures the story of the "Hobbs House", as we affectionately call it. But this became more than a story about a house. It's a story of building relationships and showing kindness to one another. I am very proud of the students who worked on Mrs. Hobbs' house and hope you enjoy watching their journey.
As much as this project was about providing our students with authentic experiences, it was about learning the importance of giving back to our community. However, I was overwhelmed at the bond that formed between the students and Mrs. Hobbs. They became her boys and she was like an adopted grandmother to them.
Saturday, September 28, 2019
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.
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.
Saturday, September 21, 2019
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.
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.
Friday, September 13, 2019
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
Friday, September 6, 2019
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.
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.
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.
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.
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| Windsor High |
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| Smithfield High |
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| Smithfield Middle |
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| Georgie Tyler Middle |
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| Westside Elementary |
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| Windsor Elementary |
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| Hardy Elementary |
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| Carrollton Elementary |
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| Carrsville Elementary |
Sunday, June 16, 2019
The Latest Group of College, Career and Life Ready Students--the Class of 2019
Last week we celebrated members of the Class of 2019, as students from Windsor High and Smithfield High walked across the stage to receive their diplomas. As I shook their hands, I felt confident that we had fulfilled our promise to them, by preparing them to be college ready, career ready, and life ready. Many of the graduates will be continuing their education through a two-year or four-year college. Others are heading to the military, while a significant number of them will immediately enter the workforce. We have developed programs in welding, culinary arts, cosmetology, building trades, agriculture, and nursing that equip our students with the skills and certifications to be sought after by area businesses and industry. In last week's blog I highlighted the recent Career Signing Ceremony we had for students going straight to employment from high school. All of our students have benefited from opportunities to develop the 5Cs--creativity, critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and citizenship--in each of their classes. Through deeper learning experiences offered by every teacher, and a focus on Profile of a Graduate, our students are leaving high school with skills to benefit them regardless of whether they are continuing their education or immediately entering the workforce.
So, on that note, congratulations to the newest SHS and WHS alumni. Go out and do great things in this world!
Pictures from graduation will be shared on Facebook or can be accessed through the link below:
Graduation 2019
So, on that note, congratulations to the newest SHS and WHS alumni. Go out and do great things in this world!
Pictures from graduation will be shared on Facebook or can be accessed through the link below:
Graduation 2019
Sunday, June 9, 2019
Celebrating Students as they Embark on Careers after High School
On Thursday, May 30, Isle of Wight County Schools did something we had never done before--we hosted a Career Signing Ceremony. The event was similar to the signing days you see with high school athletes when they commit to a college to play a sport.
But the students this day were not athletes signing with a college. Instead, they were students who had completed coursework and certifications in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) program and they were signing with a business where they would use their skills in their chosen career pathway.
The ceremony recognized thirteen students in the programs of Agriculture, Building Trades, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, and Welding. Businesses ranged from local salons and restaurants, to national companies, and employers associated with the shipbuilding industry. At the ceremony, the student sat down with a representative from the business, they both signed a ceremonial agreement, and pictures were taken of the student wearing "swag" from their employer. Families attended, as did members from the School Board, Board of Supervisors, and Economic Development.
We talk about providing students with opportunities to develop their unique gifts and talents, and preparing students to be college, career and life ready. We made a commitment to our students by offering programs that will prepare them for high skill, high wage, high demand jobs. I am excited that these students have made decisions in high school that have put them on the pathway to success.
Below are the names of the students who were recognized during the career signing and the businesses who have invited them to join their family. Scroll down further to see pictures from the ceremony.
Student Program Business
Adkins, Logan Building Trades Lowe’s
Baggett III, Webster Welding Suffolk Iron Works
Beasley, Robert Welding Newport News Shipbuilding
Charles, Joshua Culinary Arts US Navy—Culinary Specialist
Crocker, Nelson Agriculture Smithfield Foods
Cross, Tobias Culinary Arts Vintage Tavern
Dalton, Tyler Culinary Arts Smithfield Station
Daughtry, Logan Cosmetology Reflections Salon
Davis, Noah Welding Allfirst LLC
Mason, Donnell Building Trades Lowe’s
Smith, Jada Cosmetology Nails Studio LLC
Throckmorton, Davis Welding Allfirst LLC
Yost, Patrick Welding Newport News Shipbuilding
But the students this day were not athletes signing with a college. Instead, they were students who had completed coursework and certifications in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) program and they were signing with a business where they would use their skills in their chosen career pathway.
The ceremony recognized thirteen students in the programs of Agriculture, Building Trades, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, and Welding. Businesses ranged from local salons and restaurants, to national companies, and employers associated with the shipbuilding industry. At the ceremony, the student sat down with a representative from the business, they both signed a ceremonial agreement, and pictures were taken of the student wearing "swag" from their employer. Families attended, as did members from the School Board, Board of Supervisors, and Economic Development.
We talk about providing students with opportunities to develop their unique gifts and talents, and preparing students to be college, career and life ready. We made a commitment to our students by offering programs that will prepare them for high skill, high wage, high demand jobs. I am excited that these students have made decisions in high school that have put them on the pathway to success.
Below are the names of the students who were recognized during the career signing and the businesses who have invited them to join their family. Scroll down further to see pictures from the ceremony.
Student Program Business
Adkins, Logan Building Trades Lowe’s
Baggett III, Webster Welding Suffolk Iron Works
Beasley, Robert Welding Newport News Shipbuilding
Charles, Joshua Culinary Arts US Navy—Culinary Specialist
Crocker, Nelson Agriculture Smithfield Foods
Cross, Tobias Culinary Arts Vintage Tavern
Dalton, Tyler Culinary Arts Smithfield Station
Daughtry, Logan Cosmetology Reflections Salon
Davis, Noah Welding Allfirst LLC
Mason, Donnell Building Trades Lowe’s
Smith, Jada Cosmetology Nails Studio LLC
Throckmorton, Davis Welding Allfirst LLC
Yost, Patrick Welding Newport News Shipbuilding
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