We are going to take a "commercial break" from the Visioning Document for a bit. We have had several good conversations about the material in the document, but we are going to take some time to refresh/refocus some of our beliefs. In the fall, we wrote down statements on post it notes about the ten things that we wanted our students to say about Birdville Elementary. The first WOW team then compiled those ideas into the belief statements that were posted in the lounge for some time. Well, after reading the Visioning Document and especially after our staff meeting last Monday, I pose a new question for you to consider...
What are some things that you want people (students, parents, staff and community) to say about Birdville Elementary?
Please post your responses. We will use these postings when we discuss our beliefs as a staff on Friday, April 10. Please have your postings done by Wednesday morning.
We have an amazing campus filled with incredible staff, students and families! I would hope that our stake-holders would say:
ReplyDelete- the staff are learners
- the staff not only care about the students, but care about each other
- the entire staff cares that ALL children are doing their best.
- BES is a community of people who work together for a common goal.( garden, etc.)
*The BES staff is dedicated to getting to know each child and working with them individually to ensure that he/she child succeeds.
ReplyDelete*The committment of BES staff extends beyond the classroom; reaching out to the families of students and to the community as a whole. The staff strives to provide resources to BES families, regardless of the need.
I would hope that our "customers" would tell others these things about us:
ReplyDelete*They really CARE about my child and his or her success academically as well as personally.
*They care about my family and its well-being.
*They want BES to be the best school it can be.
*They are continuing to learn so that they can keep my child up to date academically as well as technologically.
*Most importantly, I want our parents to be proud their kids attend BES!!!
I would hope people would say...
ReplyDelete- My child's teacher honestly cares about my child's well-being and not just their test scores.
- There is easy and open communication with the school.
- My child is challenged and learning great things every day.
- BES has a fun and positive learning environment.
Your posts all make valid points that I agree with. I think our students and parents believe that we all care about the success of their children at school. I know that everyone cares about these students and wants to see them all succeed and become productive members in our society. One day they’ll be taking care of us, as we get older!
ReplyDeleteI would hope that parents are not only proud their students attend BES but that they have no reservations in entrusting their children to our care, guidance, protection, and education.
ReplyDeleteI also hope that every teacher, staff member, administrator, parent and student feels supported 100% by each member of the BES community and feel that their opinions, wisdom, and concerns are truly heard and respected.
I would want our stakeholders to say
ReplyDelete-My child is is valued as a whole person, not just their test scores, at BES.
-I know that the entire staff is working towards my childs success, academically and personally.
-I know that I can communicate with those working with my child and turn to them when I have questions or concerns.
JaNae
Technology is so overwhelming to me it is almost scary. The power a teacher has to enhance their stucents desire to learn by using all of the so -called modern day technology has been increased dramatically.
ReplyDeleteWe must have a vision of the future teaching out of the box, pulling out the unexpected out of our students.
So we must believe in our students and teachers to create a better learning enviroment. lynn mc
I would want stakeholders to say the following about BES:
ReplyDelete-Students at BES are worked with & valued as individuals.
-The community & parents are involved & contribute to the school.
-It is a safe environment.
-Students are successful, & teachers are happy.
Cindy Adkins
I would like people to say:
ReplyDelete"Birdville Elementary is a kind and caring school where everyone works together to bring out the best in every child and the best in each other. It is a place where communication, respect, and trust are never compromised, but exemplified every minute of every day."
Renda
I would expect our customers/stakeholders to know these things:
ReplyDelete*Teachers have heart when it comes to their students. Our teachers do whatever they can to help the child succeed. Our teachers are those that go "above & beyond" the everyday teacher duties to help students learn to the best of their abilities.
*Our school is a place they want their child to go because they know the value of education and know that their children will get a great education when being taught by Birdville teachers.
*Our school is a safe place for children. Safety in the physicalness of the environment but also in the mentalness of the environment. Students have no fear of mistakes because they know if they keep trying they can succeed and their teachers will provide that safety net for their students to know that making mistakes means finding out another way to succeed.
*The staff at BES work collectively together to benefit the school as a whole. All teachers participate in extracurricular activities and model volunteerism for their students as well as the community.
I'm proud to be a part of the BES community and I would expect that parents and students would be too.
This is what I would like others to say about BES:
ReplyDeleteBirdville cares enough about their students that they invest their time and effort not only teaching their students, but also getting to know and care about each and every one as an individual with unique qualities and learning styles. Ann Pappas
I hope that our students and parents feel that BES is a positive place to be. I want our kids and their families to feel that everyone on staff truly cares about their well-being and success. I also hope they would see that we work with each other in a positive way. I would want others to say that our teachers support each other and back each other up. I would hope that others could walk down our halls and “feel the love”.
ReplyDeleteWith good thoughts in mind we want:
ReplyDelete1. All students to do thier best.
2. A safe environment.
3. To have parent support.
4. It's a must to have a staff that will
work together and help each other out
as needed.
We have our garden full of students and we need to keep planting the seeds and make sure they are water well.
sandy
I want the following beliefs at BES:
ReplyDelete* We care about kids.
* Kids want to come to school.
* Teachers work unceasingly for student success.
* Teachers like coming to work.
* I am glad my child is in school at BES.
Rhonda
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteOur district mission statement is Learning for All Whatever it Takes...I would hope it applies for us as well. Learning for all includes all students and all teachers. With that in mind I would like the following beliefs at BES:
ReplyDelete*Teachers being reflective in their practices
*Teachers continuing to seek, learn and grow
*Students continuing to seek, learn and grow
*Safe, risk-free environments for students & teachers to seek, learn and grow
*Ongoing Collaboration (teachers, students & parents)
*Student-centered classrooms, hallways, and school
*A belief that everyone can learn
I would like BES to be known as a school that brings out the best in what the students have to offer and merges it with what the teachers/staff have to become an excellent place to learn.
ReplyDeleteBirdville Elementary has been described as a very small community BUT when you are involved within that community you get a sense of family; a sense of value as an individual; a sense of pride in the daily accomplishments of students and staff; and a great place to be whether a student or staff member.
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't pay to be one of the last people to post to this blog---everything has been stated in the very best of ways. I concur with everyone above----can't really think of anything to add. I'm proud to be a member of the BES community. I believe that the parents and families are proud, too. Our efforts will be blessed----our students ARE blessed. Linda
ReplyDeleteAs a parent, I want my child to know that he is going to be respected and valued at school. I want him to feel safe. I want to know that my child's teacher(s) are looking out for his best interest academically and personally. I would like for my child to be seen as an individual with unique talents. I want my child to be ready to face the next level in his education. I want my child to be surrounded by positivity and respect. I want my child to be able to use his teachers as role models for being a good citizen. I also want him to be able to learn for fun and not just to pass a test.
ReplyDeleteThat BES is the best school that their child has ever been too.
ReplyDeleteThe staff is always supportive and communicates with staff,child, parent etc. and is always keeping them informed.
They love coming in daily and can't wait to get back. Nancy Heard
I believe that many of these statements have been said about our school at one point or another - because it's true. BES is an amazing school!
ReplyDeleteI want parents to say. . .
My child's self esteem was improved because of the teachers at BES -- and he has gained valuable tools here that will make him successful in life.
I would hope that people say these things about our school:
ReplyDelete- the staff are there because they want to be and because they care about the students, and this makes the students want to be there as well
- they see evidence of teachers trying to become better teachers
- they see evidence of teachers becoming involved in other areas of the school, besides their specific area
- our students are being challenged in a way that helps them grow and become successful learners
- our students enjoy coming to school
- our students feel safe and like they can take risks to become better learners
- they see evidence of our school reaching out to community and our community being involved in our school
I want stakeholders of BES to say they are proud their child attends Birdville because . . .
ReplyDelete*It is a safe and fun learning environment
*The teachers/staff:
- care deeply for each student
- go above and beyond the call of duty in every aspect of school and community life
- are continuous learners
- teach a child more than just ways to pass a test
DeWayna Loomer
Things I hope people say about BES:
ReplyDelete*Teachers/Staff care about the students and their families.
*Teachers/Staff listen to students and parents' concerns and feelings.
*My child loves coming to school at BES and has a desire to want to learn more.
*BES is a safe place to be.
*BES is a very inviting place and I feel comfortable coming into the school.
*The staff is always willing to help where needed and reach out to each other to accomplish goals for the good of the school.
*The staff is encouraging and always positive.
*My child's teacher believes in my child and wants him/her to be successful.
I would hope that our stakeholders would say the following about BES:
ReplyDelete--The teachers make sure that every student is valued and appreciated.
--Students and staff work together to create the best learning environment possible.
--Responsibility for learning falls equally on staff and students.
--The staff at BES will do anything it takes to see a child succeed.
--BES is a family.
I am proud to be a part of the BES family!
I want them to say that they feel relaxed about leaving their children in our care. I want them to say that their children like going to school at BES. I believe they should be able to tell others that their children are happy, safe and learning new things at BES everyday. They should believe that their children make a difference in our lives and that we make a difference in their childrens lives. P. Scoggins
ReplyDeleteIt's still Wednesday morning, I'm hoping. I came back to school last night just to do this, and my computer screen had just blue on it...and still had just blue on it...but this morning, there were actually other things on it...so I am doing this now. It's interesting how God intervenes with the 'blue screens' in life. I'm a dinosoar so maybe it was meant for me to be one of the last bloggers.
ReplyDeleteWhat do I believe and/or want parents to say about BES...
*First, that BES is a fair place for all people who dwell within its walls...that we value the individuality and all strengths of all, taking that into perspective when all decisions are made...whether it be what to teach next, who hit first, or who needs assistance in the classroom and when. It is not my belief that 'sameness is fairness'; yet, that the expectations be set and then we meet people where they are, taking consideration of the positive and negative of what we know about them, and then make decisions for the best of the person.
*Second, that all adults work cooperatively with each other...that we all come together as in small and large groups to bring about the good for the kids. That I say 'for the kids' is important because that's what I believe should be at the center of every single decision we make at BES every single day. And, no, that's not always sending a child to the nurse...it may be to the student's best that he stay in class(just a very simple example I thought of as I sat here typing).....
Third, that we collectively have a vision for what we want in the future...for our own path as people and our own path as a group. What does the data say I need to do next to be a better teacher? Where can I go to get that? What does student data show that needs to be done better today than it was yesterday? Positive growth of all BES people is not something I believe we leave as an option.
Those are just three...and I think those are at the top of my list today. Those of you who know me know that I am passionate to a fault about this business...and I hope I've rubbed off on some of you! :) Today, I believe that if we can carry through with fairness (not 'sameness'), working together, and focus our vision on finding answers to what instructional data tells us,then all of the other things mentioned above that we all want our parents to say about this school can and will come about...even more than it does today.
I would like for the community to view us as a family and a happy one at that! We should be known for caring as well as our quality education. Teaching kids how to learn is one aspect, but teaching them to be good citizens and role models in society is another. To me, one is not greater that the other, they should go hand in hand in hand.
ReplyDeleteWhen my son was just a few weeks old someone told me that everything I did for him from this time on would be preparing him to leave me. Of course, I cried. He was so little. But I always remembered.
ReplyDeleteI hope the parents and community at BES say that we prepared our children to leave us and take the next step in their lives and education.
I want the students to say that they developed a life time love of learning at BES.
I want all the staff to say we are here because this is where we want to be.
And, of course, all the great comments that everyone else said.
Gloria
I hope that all families are proud of their school. I hope they never hang their head down and whisper Birdville elementary. As an office person I would hope that we make everyone feel welcomed and wanted. Many walk through the door for the first time and a new school for their students and I hope they feel that their children will be safe, respected and heard. I tell student all of the time that if they have a problem, not feeling well,or whatever else may be bothering them that they can find me in the office any time. I have had a few student to actually come and want to talk to me. I feel that is an important offer because sometimes others are to close to the student and they do not feel comfortable with them.
ReplyDeleteI would hope that people would say, if you want your child in a school where they are loved and respected, given the best instruction posssible by any means necessary, by teachers who are totally oommitted to the students and each other, then you want your child to attend BES.
ReplyDeleteC.Jones
"If you continue to do what you have always done, you will continue to get what you have always gotten." unknown author
ReplyDeleteI would challenge this familiar quote. In education; it's proven that we don't always get the same results. In fact, the depth of understanding of subject matter is lessened. As discussed in the technology blogs; 21st century kids pose more challenges for us. We must decide if we are going to meet those challenges or NOT. To continue doing the same things is deciding NOT to meet our kids' needs. We must be purposeful in our design plans----moving away from what "we've always done."
I would want our stakeholders to say that BES teachers are truly LIFE LONG LEARNERS. We are never content with what we've accomplished for ourselves or our students even when the results are good.
HOW? We can no longer be our own ISLAND. The stakes are too high & the responsibilities are to significant. We must learn, share & grow together through:
1)Professional Learning Teams: regular weekly/biweekly allocated time spent collaborating &:
* designing engaging lessons for our kids
* assessing student work
* technology mini-lessons for teachers by teachers
If we desire for our kids to be thrive in their learning, then we must thrive in our learning.
I would like for our students, parents, staff. and community confidently state:
ReplyDeleteBirdville Elementary empowers students to achieve their personal best by promoting respect, responsibility, and positive self-worth.
BES is a safe learning environment that provides opportunities for students to demonstrate acheivement and the application of learnig.
BES values diversity and encourages reciprical support from students, parents, staff, and community.
Teachers are eager to take advantage of the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students and relentlessly search for new ways to provide educational service to our students.
At Birdville Elementary, children are more than a number, name on a file, or a test score. Each student is valued for his/her unique abilities and talents.
I believe our staff and teachers need to be seen as educators who want the best for ALL kids.
ReplyDeleteI believe that BES should and will be a place where every kid and parent would want to come.
-Tammy