tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67387264157991549722024-03-15T21:09:40.337-04:00The Superintendent's ChairPersonal reflections about education as seen from the Superintendent's chair.Steve Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09031708454552364049noreply@blogger.comBlogger433125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738726415799154972.post-90813203899881094442021-11-02T13:52:00.000-04:002021-11-02T13:52:34.761-04:00Inching our way back<p>This school year has been a series of small steps forward. </p><p>We offered in-person learning for all students. Most students returned to our buildings, although some who found success with virtual learning stayed in our virtual school.</p><p>We wear masks. We have hand sanitizer. We limit indoor large group gatherings.</p><p>But, we have sports. Students ride our buses. Eat in our lunchrooms. </p><p>Many days I still send “COVID” updates, alerting parents to positive cases. Reminding parents and students to wear masks, that it’s still not over.</p><p>But, we can, for the most part, concentrate on being together, learning, together, finding our way - together.</p><p>Today though was a big step. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZ3lajq4eokz4PGkGp1tobFoN9OyBeSrcr35nUuRAWiZii0aVPYkgFKYT6qVU3_dL4p5kuZkdScgKAUkM61QK-oSmPJgdH5zZPXxK5zyVx-18TK4uWdtq261alrpLdMv2UpHrxXgg6Mc/s2048/C03905C1-8A21-4813-B1D4-EC10F1FD2E8F.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZ3lajq4eokz4PGkGp1tobFoN9OyBeSrcr35nUuRAWiZii0aVPYkgFKYT6qVU3_dL4p5kuZkdScgKAUkM61QK-oSmPJgdH5zZPXxK5zyVx-18TK4uWdtq261alrpLdMv2UpHrxXgg6Mc/s320/C03905C1-8A21-4813-B1D4-EC10F1FD2E8F.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtTTMXcCBlcSaFUa8kGEDrTN9ogfRrhu2H8ab5jJa4LOeQ5PKPNTn8cZERP4b8JEmbm9gm3lTvAUFjiNAGZMf8ym6IJyuOsOANNp5YmVY1LkzWPdLkAxrk1yPZVzxS7-c-fdKbtM4sxw/s2048/E3DB88AC-D5D7-433F-952A-FF7D4E4F0748.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtTTMXcCBlcSaFUa8kGEDrTN9ogfRrhu2H8ab5jJa4LOeQ5PKPNTn8cZERP4b8JEmbm9gm3lTvAUFjiNAGZMf8ym6IJyuOsOANNp5YmVY1LkzWPdLkAxrk1yPZVzxS7-c-fdKbtM4sxw/s320/E3DB88AC-D5D7-433F-952A-FF7D4E4F0748.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>At 5:30 AM, over 300 Novi Middle School students boarded seven buses heading for Washington DC. On bus 7 there are 48 students and 4 chaperones. I am one of the chaperones - lucky to be included.</p><p>I sit surrounded by students, listening to their chatter, watching them eat Cheetos, thin Oreos, Halloween candy. </p><p>This feels like a step forward. </p><p>Oh, we wear masks. We have our hand sanitizer. </p><p>But we are with each other. Laughing. Learning. Being together.</p><p><br /></p>Steve Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09031708454552364049noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738726415799154972.post-58147824525829842832020-09-18T16:00:00.000-04:002020-09-18T16:00:05.861-04:00Finding our way<p> School started September 8. Today is September 18. <br /></p><p>Nine days. It's both gone by quickly and it's been oh so long.<br /></p><p>Half my students attend school virtually. Half my students attend school in a hybrid format. Half of the half come to school Monday and Thursday. The other half of the half come to school Tuesday and Friday. Wednesday is a virtual day for everyone.</p><p>So school is different this year.</p><p>I've seen virtual orchestra. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG37HABP5mObK3Hl7S2kdnINExVTEMtO-HSqzRqTrzFcdh9_FnQrYn95eE0yTb4QS80kuwE6r4x4nRRZ9mIil36A1TDiwV5djOGCOoL6C6_xHQ4dLldZTCzTYF7huXroBdkEJ6r152L_Y/s2048/Blog+Orchestra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG37HABP5mObK3Hl7S2kdnINExVTEMtO-HSqzRqTrzFcdh9_FnQrYn95eE0yTb4QS80kuwE6r4x4nRRZ9mIil36A1TDiwV5djOGCOoL6C6_xHQ4dLldZTCzTYF7huXroBdkEJ6r152L_Y/s320/Blog+Orchestra.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Athletes wear masks while they compete.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi69pJLmcQ9kB4H4x6ZWxH4LHyXsfzluQuEu73CsBJVB9ZH_wplnLVRyh9sRoLyjR1EDWTMQSvYcpYAx2QMsQHVNtbsMWxxLrV-cmCg2g9323sSG2n6msxvqGPsaQiQmtJCdMZk4IAtN9c/s1745/Blog+Field+Hockey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1745" data-original-width="1364" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi69pJLmcQ9kB4H4x6ZWxH4LHyXsfzluQuEu73CsBJVB9ZH_wplnLVRyh9sRoLyjR1EDWTMQSvYcpYAx2QMsQHVNtbsMWxxLrV-cmCg2g9323sSG2n6msxvqGPsaQiQmtJCdMZk4IAtN9c/s320/Blog+Field+Hockey.jpg" /></a></div><p>Art supplies go home to virtual students.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG-uNRglUxOeLYx5irHJKdCFq7AMKIRP8KeiLAZaRYMu7-8_7QKG6JYSOXFOkpTc7wqCNhY3f-K8tKVGlgFZpjyMCrWolv6YeEpKiNlCuDpFiGeAyx1N6I5RFkobwAEV1JwVAy-JYXCKc/s2048/Blog+Art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG-uNRglUxOeLYx5irHJKdCFq7AMKIRP8KeiLAZaRYMu7-8_7QKG6JYSOXFOkpTc7wqCNhY3f-K8tKVGlgFZpjyMCrWolv6YeEpKiNlCuDpFiGeAyx1N6I5RFkobwAEV1JwVAy-JYXCKc/s320/Blog+Art.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>My community has been wonderful. The community includes students and parents, but also teachers, administrators, bus drivers, secretaries, custodians, hall monitors, paraprofessionals. We are finding our way.</p><p>What lessons can be learned in nine days?</p><p>Many perhaps but one very clearly. Public schools matter.</p><p>Public schools matter because kids connect with our teachers. Our students need the connection with these adults to help guide them. Our students know so much; they are so very savvy in so many ways. But they need our teachers to give them perspective, to give them insight, to give them a sense that they are capable, to give them confidence.</p><p>Public schools matter because they build communities. Real communities. Communities that don't pick and choose whom to associate with but include everyone. Our pubic school communities welcome all who show up. We don't put up walls that include only certain students who think or look or sound like us. </p><p>It is a struggle at times as we try and figure out how to work and talk and learn with each other. Sometimes we don't like each other very much. But we find a way to make it work. </p><p>A community. A place where people are committed to figuring it out. </p><p>It's been a hard nine days. But hard is good. The struggle is important. The struggle means that all of us care. We want to make it work because we know that it is important that connections are built and communities continue to be strengthened.</p><p>I am heartened because we are finding our way. <br /></p>Steve Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09031708454552364049noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738726415799154972.post-23460214610006255602020-08-06T16:13:00.001-04:002020-08-06T16:13:54.880-04:00We can find our way<div>School starts, for my district, in just over a month.</div><div><br /></div><div>All around me districts are starting to make their decisions on what school will look like in the fall. And no one is happy.</div><div><br /></div><div>I would hope that we would all agree that no one wants to harm students. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Those of us who work in schools care deeply for the students who walk into our classrooms and into our hearts each day. Our teachers spend six hours a day with these students. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZBPTj6aEKGgYymNKTcMLOOZTRNBROVwhHqqGGil8ZIEd6RzdlvIp3kXkI9WrUYzmwECZfWd7PXd7suBuqHhyphenhyphenthn4B_k0oHKQvb0S0Pr6C_DJtu8OZAqNZiKmJ2QEuV3DJZKuFNRuNKk/s584/OD+24.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="584" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZBPTj6aEKGgYymNKTcMLOOZTRNBROVwhHqqGGil8ZIEd6RzdlvIp3kXkI9WrUYzmwECZfWd7PXd7suBuqHhyphenhyphenthn4B_k0oHKQvb0S0Pr6C_DJtu8OZAqNZiKmJ2QEuV3DJZKuFNRuNKk/w320-h261/OD+24.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div></div><div>Many spend much more time than that. Coaches, club sponsors, tutors - some teachers are with students eight or nine hours a day.</div><div><br /></div><div>And there are days when magic happens.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhim6wXDa44zA0ORi9d1p_yjHaber-LEUyBSOERV9XYej2GEPJLP8_yLkYnOAPETBHx64cMYi2YgMps0aP09dZpg4nifJsLcfna2drNkVhlqafWN3DpIeyj-00SpGyePtquSvD-2zzqwZM/s960/OD+37.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhim6wXDa44zA0ORi9d1p_yjHaber-LEUyBSOERV9XYej2GEPJLP8_yLkYnOAPETBHx64cMYi2YgMps0aP09dZpg4nifJsLcfna2drNkVhlqafWN3DpIeyj-00SpGyePtquSvD-2zzqwZM/w400-h300/OD+37.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div></div><div>When students see and think and learn things that they never would have without a teacher guiding them, it is truly amazing. And when that happens, everyone - students, teachers, and even Superintendents - understand the power that comes when students are with each other and with a caring and committed teacher.</div><div><br /></div><div>And parents depend on public schools. To teach content. To teach collaboration and cooperation. To teach lessons that are hard to teach at home. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And schools also provide a safe place for kids. Every single day. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>But we find ourselves in an unusual circumstance this year. A public health crisis that started in January, that forced the closure of schools in March, and that continues to linger through the summer has changed the context for this fall. Now, we are not only worried about first days and academics and homework, we are also worried about our health.</div><div><br /></div><div>What I know to be true is this - we can find our way.</div><div><br /></div><div>There is no one perfect option. There is no one size fits all solution. There is no choice that does not come with risk and downside.</div><div><br /></div><div>But the adults have to agree that we can find our way.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our children are watching us to see how we will travel this road. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Will we talk to one another? Or will we shout instead? <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Will we find common ground? Or will we cling to and defend "my" idea?</div><div><br /></div><div>Will we work together? Or will we fall apart?</div><div><br /></div><div>I wish I had the answer. I wish I knew exactly what to do. I wish whatever choice was made would be guaranteed to work.</div><div><br /></div><div>But it doesn't work that way.</div><div><br /></div><div>Instead, we must agree that we will proceed down the road intending to do what is right for our students and our children. If we must change course, we will. If we must pick up the pace, we will. If we must slow down, we will. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>What I know is - together we can find our way.<br /> </div>Steve Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09031708454552364049noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738726415799154972.post-73648491180010923752020-06-01T17:49:00.000-04:002020-06-01T17:49:29.304-04:00Thoughts on where to go from here<div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">As a parent you have had to deal with a lot this year. The pandemic. The arguments between people over wearing masks. Now the death of a black man. Protests and then conflict throughout the country.</span><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">In the movie To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch tells his son Jem, “Lot of ugly things in this world. Wish I could keep them all away from you, but I can’t.”</div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">In 2020, there have been a lot of ugly things. </div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">The most recent example happened in Minneapolis with the killing of George Floyd. </div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">As a parent it’s hard to know how to talk with your children. <br /></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">As parents we want to protect our children. Keep the ugly things away.</div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">I would encourage you to help your children and your students understand the hard, ugly things that we see in this world. Look for clues from your children. Listen. Be honest. Help them understand and process the ugly things.</div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">In my school district, we pride ourselves on accepting people, celebrating our diversity. But the truth is there is ugly in the world. Not everyone celebrates differences. Not everyone believes that someone who is different is equal or worthy or important.</div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">As a parent, as a teacher, as someone who believes that there are things worth fighting for, it is up to us to help our children, our students, learn about the ugly in the world and find ways to make it better. It is our responsibility.</div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">It will be difficult. We’ll make mistakes. </div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">But to hide the ugly is worse.</div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">While we can’t be together because of the pandemic, we can support one another through phone calls and emails and text messages.</div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">So let’s trust each other. We can help our children. We can help each other.</span></div>Steve Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09031708454552364049noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738726415799154972.post-34054438641006129612020-05-05T14:55:00.001-04:002020-05-05T14:55:31.808-04:00What teachers do you remember today?<div>Mr. Robbins was my 6th grade teacher. He was a good teacher. I am sure that he helped me learn the content standards and prepared me for the academic rigors of junior high and high school. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>But that's not why I remember Mr. Robbins.</div><div><br /></div><div>I remember Mr. Robbins because he was kind to me.</div><div><br /></div><div>In 6th grade I needed a person in my school whom I could count on to be kind to me. And Mr. Robbins was that person.</div><div><br /></div><div>In 10th grade, Ms. Ely was my English teacher. Instead of letting me coast through my sophomore year of high school she made me do a lot of work. She pushed me to become a better reader and writer. I didn't like her at times because she never let me off the hook.</div><div><br /></div><div>In 10 grade I needed a person in my school whom I could count on to push me. And Ms. Ely was that person.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>Today, the first Tuesday in May, Tuesday, May 5, is Teacher Appreciation Day. Take a moment to remember those teachers who made a difference in your life. Not every teacher I have had has been memorable. But the ones who have been - they were outstanding. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I hope that you can remember teachers from your past that gave you just
what you needed. Teachers who were kind or who pushed you or who made
you feel like you mattered.</div><div><br /></div><div>In our district, the Novi Community School District, we have great teachers. I have been in their classrooms. I have seen them in action. They make a difference for the children of our community. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipu5AzbYjSDWOnHFewPDHIkZY23tVJbzHFk1EtOhqMrbwHfxvgQVF_TRt8jwC3vV5G0g2IyYvYaknBCk88lv2btEPErZu6vQAFSC4ybzYHBJbpHcHxejPahlwza7s8Al51vahf-kB6CjE/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1605" data-original-width="2141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipu5AzbYjSDWOnHFewPDHIkZY23tVJbzHFk1EtOhqMrbwHfxvgQVF_TRt8jwC3vV5G0g2IyYvYaknBCk88lv2btEPErZu6vQAFSC4ybzYHBJbpHcHxejPahlwza7s8Al51vahf-kB6CjE/s320/Oquist.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div></div><div>So on this Teacher Appreciation Day , I honor teachers. Thank you for making a difference!<br /></div>Steve Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09031708454552364049noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738726415799154972.post-21974353135532369412020-04-10T14:44:00.000-04:002020-04-10T14:44:35.568-04:00Our students don't just need a deviceWe are closed.<br />
<br />
Governor Whitmer ordered all K-12 schools in Michigan to close beginning March 16. Originally, we had hoped that we would reopen in April.<br />
<br />
That fleeting hope was dashed on April 2nd when the Governor closed schools for the rest of the year. <br />
<br />
Those who believe in technology have jumped in to extol the value of online learning. Who needs a classroom? Just provide every student a laptop and an internet connection.<br />
<br />
Problem solved.<br />
<br />
I would disagree. <br />
<br />
While it is true that learning can occur online, students need more than a device. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfi47VASg9qHrZByf-OLtCArmsNNKzAwRL5a61Q2CtuBp3IyTAPaM2Ef5Lq9ipmGGJe36XFZgAuiP8jm1j9lVC2r2RgV3Bp7buVQZIX3UDGHlhO3L_7hLMfQcgYvkKMy-XUBfNOI2iYv8/s1600/Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1480" data-original-width="1600" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfi47VASg9qHrZByf-OLtCArmsNNKzAwRL5a61Q2CtuBp3IyTAPaM2Ef5Lq9ipmGGJe36XFZgAuiP8jm1j9lVC2r2RgV3Bp7buVQZIX3UDGHlhO3L_7hLMfQcgYvkKMy-XUBfNOI2iYv8/s320/Blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Students need caring adults in their lives who know them, try to understand them, support them, push them, and care deeply for them.<br />
<br />
Our kids don't just need a device.<br />
<br />
They need adults - who are not their parents - demonstrating to them that they are worth it.<br />
<br />
Our Novi teachers do more than just feed students content. They encourage. They motivate. They challenge. They support. They create an environment where students not only learn but also develop a sense of themselves - who they are and who they can become.<br />
<br />
And not only our teachers. We have bus drivers, secretaries, paraprofessionals, support staff who spend more time with the children in our district than their parents do. And each of them makes a difference for our students. <br />
<br />
During our pandemic closure, I am doing a read aloud every day. It is hoped that it does some good. The book we are currently reading is <i>Ms. Bixby's Last Day</i> by John David Anderson.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQk-jman6jD5_jRauGaIjijTB_A-N1qYQUS6TgsA9vKGk-VCmkbFX69VDF5ndzpc74ZOdMw9fZcNdd7pILTgdHM7Nt44A_vs7FFoq_XofQ3ybJNNOlqXrrm8CuuDVnW_eytN80ndc0WdI/s1600/Bixby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="697" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQk-jman6jD5_jRauGaIjijTB_A-N1qYQUS6TgsA9vKGk-VCmkbFX69VDF5ndzpc74ZOdMw9fZcNdd7pILTgdHM7Nt44A_vs7FFoq_XofQ3ybJNNOlqXrrm8CuuDVnW_eytN80ndc0WdI/s320/Bixby.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
<br />
In one passage Ms. Bixby, the 6th grade teacher, tells Topher, her student:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We all have moments when we think nobody really see us.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When we feel like we have to act out or be somebody else just to get noticed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But somebody notices Topher. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Somebody sees. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Our Novi Community School District staff - teachers, administrators, secretaries, paraprofessionals, bus drivers, lunch support, hall monitors, tech staff - see. Our staff see our students. They notice. They care.<br />
<br />
This caring relationship provides our students with a floor to stand on, to grow from, to become whom they were meant to become.<br />
<br />
The process is messy. The process is slow at times.<br />
<br />
But people make the difference. <br />
<br />
In a virtual learning environment devices are clearly important. <br />
<br />
But what's most important during this pandemic closure is to remember that our students need more than a device.<br />
<br />
They need us.Steve Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09031708454552364049noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738726415799154972.post-62876785693037049762020-03-31T12:35:00.000-04:002020-03-31T12:35:56.086-04:00Yes, things have been lostWe must admit that we have suffered a loss.<br />
<br />
Many, in fact.<br />
<br />
Physical.<br />
<br />
Grandfathers and grandmothers. Parents. Siblings. Best friends. They have died. Been taken from us by a killer none of us knew about just a few short months ago.<br />
<br />
By now we all know of coronavirus - COVID-19. It has disrupted life in ways small and large.<br />
<br />
None bigger than the actual ending of life. We grieve along with those who have suffered this loss of life. Words cannot express what they feel, what we feel, how both parties ache. <br />
<br />
Some of these losses will haunt those who have lost. They could not be present because of hospital rules and significant concerns about who might be infected. So some of those we have lost were alone. And that hurts and haunts and brings us to our knees.<br />
<br />
And there are other losses.<br />
<br />
A high school senior year disrupted.<br />
<br />
Prom? Probably gone.<br />
<br />
Graduation? Up in the air. Almost gone. More than likely altered at least.<br />
<br />
The spring sports team? Probably done. <br />
<br />
The final band, orchestra, choir concert? The final dance? The scholarship breakfast? The senior picnic, last day of school? All hang in the balance. <br />
<br />
No matter how many people say we will get through this, that we will look back on this and remember the lessons that we learned, what we know now is that we have lost.<br />
<br />
So let us give ourselves time to grieve. To ache. To let our hearts break.<br />
<br />
It is OK.<br />
<br />
We can't stay here forever. At some point we must pick up and move on.<br />
<br />
But right now, we can hurt. Don't tell me there is a silver lining, a lesson to be learn, that it is part of a bigger plan.<br />
<br />
Just sit with me. Share my pain. Let me know that you care. Let me know that you understand . . . that things have been lost.<br />
<br />
Be quiet. Be kind. Be there.Steve Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09031708454552364049noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738726415799154972.post-11223097924842584652020-03-05T15:47:00.000-05:002020-03-05T15:47:56.408-05:00It's a broken heart . . . it's supposed to hurtLast night, as I sat in our Novi High School National Honor Society induction ceremony, two of our Novi High School winter sports teams were competing in the state playoffs.<br />
<br />
Both lost.<br />
<br />
But that does not tell the whole story.<br />
<br />
Winter sports is a grind. The season seems long. It stretches from one calendar year to the next. It encompasses holidays. The weather outside can be dismal.<br />
<br />
Yet, these student athletes practice each day, show up on game day, give everything they have.<br />
<br />
Our Novi High School girls basketball team had the lead at halftime against a perennial power. Unfortunately, the second half did not go our way and the girls lost.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PHvNB5oH8bf55iPhM8JMsPLbdwp-suxiViyTHWjESAWMUvOyXnupEF5ZmrDx5uzEJrmwHqwWGX5zauGPVAbkUDm27ean1DoUn45svPUV2Brp_ZJvfxBuOiLg0DI8lDQ5J-Ny0m3OZjk/s1600/Girls+bBall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="856" data-original-width="1200" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PHvNB5oH8bf55iPhM8JMsPLbdwp-suxiViyTHWjESAWMUvOyXnupEF5ZmrDx5uzEJrmwHqwWGX5zauGPVAbkUDm27ean1DoUn45svPUV2Brp_ZJvfxBuOiLg0DI8lDQ5J-Ny0m3OZjk/s320/Girls+bBall.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Our Novi High School boys hockey team also played a perennial power. The game went to three overtimes. Our goalie stopped 54 shots, but, ultimately, the boys also lost.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwa5jdx-a9rfbMbTE2PrtNq0ytZneHnBTKBBrl9tbbQaMWe7_7JGfexr6o4Q25Y2hkrgzI8ojOJogywy17mM3skI2MqQ8FQF5claXaj4r3je8sh-Cqf58wUb6H_U-gkaSN02ALS5QO0J8/s1600/Hockey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="390" data-original-width="513" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwa5jdx-a9rfbMbTE2PrtNq0ytZneHnBTKBBrl9tbbQaMWe7_7JGfexr6o4Q25Y2hkrgzI8ojOJogywy17mM3skI2MqQ8FQF5claXaj4r3je8sh-Cqf58wUb6H_U-gkaSN02ALS5QO0J8/s320/Hockey.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Today, by chance, I bumped into our hockey coach. He said two important things. First, it hurt. Second, this is what high school sports is all about.<br />
<br />
I am sure that our girls and boys hearts are heavy today. Both teams had a chance. You play to win. And it did not happen.<br />
<br />
That hurts.<br />
<br />
But it is the chance you take when you play the game. These athletes knew going in that only one team a season wins the last game of the year. Only one team celebrates. The rest have their hearts broken.<br />
<br />
And that is the beauty of high school sports. Participating in athletics helps learn lessons that may not be learned in the classroom. Winning is fun. But the lessons learned can, and may, define a lifetime. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Hard work.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Grit.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Planning.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Practice.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Creativity.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Curiosity.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Team work.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Collaboration.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Communication.</span><br />
<br />
These lessons and many more are learned as our students engage in our athletic program. <br />
<br />
Broken hearts will heal.<br />
<br />
And the lessons learned will, hopefully, help our students continue to have confidence as they move forward with their lives.Steve Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09031708454552364049noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738726415799154972.post-11695742309519948152020-02-28T13:42:00.000-05:002020-02-28T13:42:30.313-05:00Let's support, not retain, our 3rd grade studentsWhat if I told you that the state of Michigan was mandating
that by the end of 3<sup>rd</sup> grade all students needed to be 52 inches
tall – that’s almost 4 ½ feet. That’s the average by the way.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If a student is not 52 inches by the end of 3<sup>rd</sup>
grade he or she would be retained and would need to repeat 3<sup>rd</sup> grade. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I could argue that I am not punishing the child. I’m just doing this
for their own good. Small children get teased. Small children are weaker. They
could fall behind. They can’t keep up. They will experience failure in some
tasks. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What if I told you that those children who are not 52 inches
by the end of 3<sup>rd</sup> grade would be retained? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You would say that I am nuts!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And I would agree.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because in 3<sup>rd</sup> grade, students are not the same
age. Some could be almost eleven months older than their friends. Plus, parents
come in different sizes – genetics influence how tall the child will be. Plus
nutrition. Sleep. Allergies. Lots of things influence growth.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You might argue that instead of holding students back, maybe
we should just support them. Help them be successful. Provide support if and
when it is needed. Let them stay with their friends. Let them grow, with
support from us. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That seems reasonable. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What if I told you that the state of Michigan was mandating
that by the end of 3<sup>rd</sup> grade all students needed to be at or near
proficient in reading or they would need to repeat 3<sup>rd</sup> grade?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Does that make sense?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kids need to read. On that I think we would all agree.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But, 3<sup>rd</sup> graders can be almost eleven months different
in age. 3<sup>rd</sup> graders can have significantly different home literacy
environments. 3<sup>rd</sup> graders can have different levels of support in
their communities. 3<sup>rd</sup> graders develop at different paces.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Instead of retaining 3<sup>rd</sup> graders, we need to
support 3<sup>rd</sup> graders. And while we are at it, we need to support 2<sup>nd</sup>
graders and 1<sup>st</sup> graders and kindergarten students and preschool
students. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What we need to do is have reading specialists in every building who
can support students who struggle. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What we need to do is ensure that our
teachers know and understand literacy and can intervene strategically when
necessary, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What we need to do is create class sizes that are
manageable. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What we need to do is provide public libraries that support
our students. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What we need to do is support parents so they can support
their children and improve their literacy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What we need to do is encourage parents to read to their children
every day, talk to their children every day about meaningful things, and love
their children so their children have confidence.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let me repeat, kids need to read. But, punishing them by retaining them is not
the answer.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Research demonstrates that retention is not an effective
strategy. Early retention has a number of negative side effects and does not help
close the gap or promote success.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What does work is having high quality classrooms in schools
that have resources to intervene early and with effective instructional
strategies. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So in Novi, we will be exercising the legally allowed
Superintendent good cause exemption for students whose 3<sup>rd</sup> grade
test scores indicate that they might be struggling in reading. We will learn
each child’s strengths and weaknesses. We will treat each child as an
individual. We will also continue to provide high quality instruction and
support from interventionists as appropriate. We will work with families to
identify family literacy practices that will make a difference. We will promote
these students to 4<sup>th</sup> grade.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kids need to read. In Novi, we will work to make sure that all of our students have the support they need to be successful and that we continue to prepare them for their future. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Steve Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09031708454552364049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738726415799154972.post-14167326721650152692020-02-26T17:15:00.000-05:002020-02-26T17:15:31.476-05:00Why am I so stupidOn November 11, 2019, it snowed in Novi.<br />
<br />
A lot! Probably 8 inches. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXfSDl4zgy2rIj9fRIkVz_0tnqvn-eimVuZw0Bd-dYTkwOxtFK-BBw-EoxmvqEkE5v1TImJU0M0NOPeOdWNw6OcbNvLFQUZ4pvlukUtzgKemi1nGtShplEJ2IlOTtoXk9ym2jX8glvbg/s1600/Snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXfSDl4zgy2rIj9fRIkVz_0tnqvn-eimVuZw0Bd-dYTkwOxtFK-BBw-EoxmvqEkE5v1TImJU0M0NOPeOdWNw6OcbNvLFQUZ4pvlukUtzgKemi1nGtShplEJ2IlOTtoXk9ym2jX8glvbg/s400/Snow.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
It started before school, snowed all day during school, and even continued into the evening. Disaster!<br />
<br />
A parent emailed us to describe the carnage: <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><i>I know the first snow of the year is difficult but I wanted to express my extreme concern with the bus situation this morning. The elementary school children stood (at least 4 small children) at the bus stop, in the cold and snow, for 1 hour today. I am not exaggerating.</i> </span> </div>
It was not our finest hour.<br />
<br />
But in our defense the weather service predicted only light snow - no more than 3-4 inches. We live in Michigan, I rationalized. This will be no big deal.<br />
<br />
I was wrong.<br />
<br />
Fast forward to yesterday, February 25, 2020. At 2:00 PM, approximately 20 Oakland County Superintendents were on the phone with our weather person. The report was that tomorrow (today if you are keeping track) we would receive 6-8 inches of snow - most of it coming between the hours of 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM.<br />
<br />
So it was agreed - snow day. We would be putting our students at risk if we brought them to school, had to release early, and were then late getting everyone home. Roads would be slick. Buses might slide. Parents could not get home in time.<br />
<br />
So, by 10:00 PM on February 25th most schools in Oakland County had called off school for February 26th. An eminently responsible position. <br />
<br />
I went to bed and slept well. I knew that the decision was reasonable.<br />
<br />
But wait.<br />
<br />
On February 26th, Oakland County did not receive the anticipated snow. We received 3-4 inches. Clearly, we could of had school. This is Michigan. This was no big deal.<br />
<br />
So why am I so stupid?<br />
<br />
I prefer to think of myself as human, not stupid.<br />
<br />
People make mistakes, bad calls, decisions that, looking back, should not be made. Even though we operate in a world that has more data than we have ever had, many decisions still rest upon people like me to gather, sort, and interpret the data.<br />
<br />
My guess is that a computer, given the data that we had, would have made the same decision about today.<br />
<br />
The benefit of a human making the decision is that, hopefully, people consider the impact of the decision on the people who will be affected. I erred on the side of caution because people - school children - were involved.<br />
<br />
If I'm called stupid - so be it. <br />
<br />
I'll continue to try and refine my decision making skills. I will be perceived as stupid at times. But, I'll keep at it. I'll keep trying to make good decisions for the students and the families in my district knowing that together we can keep learning, keep growing, and keep building a positive place for all of us.Steve Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09031708454552364049noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738726415799154972.post-53652444948256622292019-01-31T12:52:00.000-05:002019-01-31T12:52:25.511-05:00Feeling like I belongIn our school district we have missed the last two days of school because of cold weather.<br />
<br />
Not just cold weather but "oh my gosh, holy cow, can you believe it, freezing everything" cold weather.<br />
<br />
And while I am sure our students (and staff) enjoyed the unexpected holiday, I also know that they welcome the opportunity to return.<br />
<br />
For school is not just a place where students go to learn and staff go to teach and support students.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_LoZQswsYneb2Rx7k_Yvnl4P9_jVDfzO8ZfkQDrGXaFevDWFsNFEyxAZWlKYp_UJ259pDV57Jw5s62BoqwERsZsNr8ujd6b1TkHute-HYhhuppL0F8jHLvVrFhACIRmwbeQRthxaIgM/s1600/Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1106" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_LoZQswsYneb2Rx7k_Yvnl4P9_jVDfzO8ZfkQDrGXaFevDWFsNFEyxAZWlKYp_UJ259pDV57Jw5s62BoqwERsZsNr8ujd6b1TkHute-HYhhuppL0F8jHLvVrFhACIRmwbeQRthxaIgM/s400/Blog.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>
School is place that gives people purpose. School is a place that provides opportunity to every person who enters the front door.<br />
<br />
Students find adults who are not their parents who care deeply for them and who want the best for them.<br />
<br />
Staff have the opportunity to give back to others - whether it is to students or to colleagues.<br />
<br />
Schools don't always get it right, but schools create a community where people look out for each other.<br />
<br />
So I for one am glad that we get the chance to return to a place that creates so much opportunity and makes me, most of the time, feel like I belong.Steve Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09031708454552364049noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738726415799154972.post-79244987614445790402018-12-14T10:29:00.000-05:002018-12-14T10:29:27.643-05:00A wrong solution for Michigan's schools<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Stacked rankings" are the business
equivalent of education's bell curve for grades. A few "A's" and "F's"
and a whole lot of "C's".</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Microsoft has used stack rankings. Some argue that it led to Microsoft's "<a href="http://www.vanityfair.com/business/2012/08/microsoft-lost-mojo-steve-ballmer" target="_blank">lost decade</a>"; a loss of collaboration and creativity. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">Every current and former Microsoft employee I interviewed—</span><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">every one</span></i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><i>—cited stack ranking as the most destructive process inside of Microsoft</i>.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Kurt Eichenwald</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Vanity Fair, August 2012</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(mg2aldzomhct5cfqiz01ro5e))/documents/2017-2018/billcurrentversion/House/PDF/2018-HCVBH-5526-17858.PDF" target="_blank">HB 5526</a> (page 68), recently passed by the Michigan House and forwarded to the Michigan Senate has a "stacked rankings" component. It requires the following when grading schools:</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOL'S PUPILS ON THE
APPLICABLE STATE ASSESSMENT COMPARED TO PUPIL PERFORMANCE ON THE
APPLICABLE STATE ASSESSMENT FOR ALL PUBLIC SCHOOLS SERVING A SIMILAR
PUPIL POPULATION. THE DEPARTMENT SHALL DETERMINE SIMILAR PUPIL POPULATION
USING DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS THAT THE COMMISSION CONSIDERS TO HAVE A STRONG
CORRELATION TO ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">While the language is not clear, the intent is very clear. Similar schools will be grouped and compared to one another. This requires some schools to get an "A" grade and some to get an "F" grade.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;">Stacked ranking - enshrined in state law.</span>
<span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Microsoft thinks so much of it that they have <a href="http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-11-13/microsoft-kills-its-hated-stack-rankings-dot-does-anyone-do-employee-reviews-right" target="_blank">abandoned it</a>. Brustein says that "corporate America has largely lost confidence </span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 25.34375px;">in management programs that jam employees onto bell curves</span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Yet, HB 5526 requires failure.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Why?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">The
cynical side of me is inclined to believe that it is because those
opposed to public schools want to ensure that there will be failures. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">This model refuses to accept that all schools within a class or grouping could be doing well. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Why not create a real system that honestly evaluates what is occurring without mandating that there be failure? </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Secondly, there is an assumption in this bill that schools can be grouped by similar characteristics. That may be true in general but not in specifics. Any one who has been in schools knows that each school has its own culture, its own unique characteristics that make it different from every other school. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">But HB 5526 requires that within this narrow band of similar schools some schools will fail.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">What this means is that a school with high performance could receive a low grade when compared to others within its "class." However, a school with lower performance may receive a high grade when compared to schools within its class.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">The bills sponsors say this, and other provisions of the law, are done to give parents clarity on school performance. This bill does nothing of the sort.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Public
schools are doing good work. Instead of mandating failure let's create a
system that honors the hard work and the success is occurring in public
schools. </span></span><br />
Steve Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09031708454552364049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738726415799154972.post-67893139612631620862018-12-13T16:19:00.000-05:002018-12-13T16:19:10.540-05:00When the grade is wrong
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Michigan House passed a bill that will soon pass the Michigan Senate and be sent to Governor Rick Snyder for his signature. It is almost assured that he will sign this legislation. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Among other things it will require
each school to receive a letter grade of A-F not later than September 2019 in
the following areas:</div>
<ul>
<li> Proficiency on state assessments in math and
English Language Arts</li>
<li>Student growth on state assessments in math and
English Language Arts</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Growth of English Language Learners<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Graduation rate of high school students</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>The academic performance of students on state
assessments compared to student performance in schools serving a similar
population</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The legislation also requires that beginning in September
2019 each school shall receive a ranking of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>significantly above average, above average, average, below average, or
significantly below average in each of these categories:</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Rate of pupils who are chronically absent</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Participation rate on state assessments</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Pupil subgroup performance (typically these are
racial/ethnic categories but also include special education and English
Language Learners) on state assessments compared to statewide performance</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This advocates for letter grading and these rankings suggest
that this will make schools more accountable and will lead to improved
performance. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is a lie.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was clear with our state legislators that I was opposed to this legislation for
several reasons. First, it was not needed. The <a href="https://www.mischooldata.org/ParentDashboard/" target="_blank">Michigan School Data website</a> already provides parents with a dashboard of information. This dashboard
provides relevant information on every school in Michigan in easy to understand
charts and graphs. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No letter grades are provided on the Michigan School Data website because they are not
needed. The information is clear. Letter grades would not add any appreciable
information or clarity that is not already available.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Second, letter grades and rankings cannot summarize a
school’s character and performance. Even dashboards do not reveal the culture,
climate, individuality, or resources of a school. Letter grades certainly do
not do provide that information. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The letter grade bill does not provide a parent or community
member with any of the following information:</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Class sizes</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Available Advanced Placement and International
Baccalaureate classes</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Available advanced classes at all levels </li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Available extra-curricular activities</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Available curriculum in science, social studies,
art, music, physical education, library/media</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Instructional support available in math and
reading</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Dedicated space for art, music, library</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Teacher turnover rates</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Availability of extra experiences in science,
technology, engineering, and math</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Available technology in the schools</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are many other factors that this letter grade bill
does not provide information on that are relevant and important to parents as
they consider whether a school is a school to which they would want to send
their children. But this bill ignores those factors because it is a bad bill.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But now it is law. And schools will suffer. The law does
nothing to improve schools. In fact it will lead schools to focus on these
factors at the exclusion of providing students with other experiences that are
meaningful and important. </div>
<ul>
<li>Why promote science when the school will not receive a grade
in that subject?</li>
<li>Why promote social studies when the school will not receive
a grade in that subject?</li>
<li>Why have Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or
a rich and deep curriculum then the school will not be graded or rated in those
areas? </li>
<li>Why promote the arts when schools will not receive a grade
in that subject?</li>
<li>Why create Maker Space classrooms and provide those
experiences when schools will not receive a grade in those experiences?</li>
<li>Why provide a dedicated media specialist and a dedicated
media center when schools will not receive a grade for that?</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The legislation requires "similar schools" to be compared and graded against one another. Some may argue that is fair. But the circumstances and context of an individual school are not taken into consideration. Only the performance in reading and math will be considered. What will result is a school that pays attention to student mental health or provides great after school activities or provides reading and math support will be graded low in their "similar school" ranking even though they score higher in reading and math than the majority of schools in the state.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This bill will not improve schools. It has the real possibility to make things worse as schools, in an effort to improve a grade, narrow curriculum and reduce opportunities for students. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Chasing a grade has never proved to be a good strategy to learn deeply. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
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This letter grade legislation will not improve schools in
Michigan. In fact, it will make things worse. </div>
Steve Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09031708454552364049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738726415799154972.post-24334443992723414562018-11-25T20:09:00.000-05:002018-11-25T20:09:22.518-05:00It’s not even December!With Thanksgiving in the rear view mirror, it is now time to turn our attention to the more important things in life. What’s more important than than taking time to reflect on our blessings and give thanks?<br />
<br />
Nothing really. Being grateful, for things large and small, can be a wonderfully, powerfully positive part of life.<br />
<br />
Unless you’re a student. Then the most important thing in the world is wondering when the first snow day will come. And that all depends on whether or not your Superintendent has a heart.<br />
<br />
For Superintendents snow days are “no win” days. Whatever you do, someone will criticize the decision.<br />
<br />
As a Superintendent, we obviously believe that being in school is important. Learning. Building relationships. Stoking curiosity. Laying strong foundations. Providing opportunities. All those things happen at school. And it’s all important.<br />
<br />
But Superintendents also recognize that student and staff safety are important as well. Getting safely to and from school is not something on which to take chances.<br />
<br />
Well, as fate would have, tonight I am worried about the weather. And it’s only November 25th.<br />
<br />
So tonight I will talk with other Superintendents and a weatherman about what will happen in the next few hours. Then I will arise at 4:00 AM to see what has happened and wonder about what will happen.<br />
<br />
And then I will make a decision.<br />
<br />
But really . . . it’s not even December!Steve Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09031708454552364049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738726415799154972.post-36417166258913513532018-11-09T15:12:00.001-05:002018-11-09T15:12:46.961-05:00How much is time worth?We can invest our time in many ways.<br />
<br />
For the last several days, thirty-one Novi Community School District staff members and I have invested about 90 hours in, with, and for 367 Novi Middle School students on their trip to Washington DC. We left at 5:00 AM on a rainy Tuesday morning and will return home around midnight Friday night.<br />
<br />
We’ve seen a lot.<br />
<br />
Museums.<br />
Memorials.<br />
Art galleries.<br />
<br />
But was the time worth it?<br />
<br />
The thirty-one Novi staff members think so. As do I.<br />
<br />
But why exactly?<br />
<br />
The answer is complicated.<br />
<br />
If the goal was to ensure that our students learned history and civics and the importance of informed citizens participating in their democracy, we probably failed.<br />
<br />
That’s not to say that what we did had no impact on their knowledge of our country or our government. But those of us who are much older are still trying to figure out how democracy and debate and civic participation work.<br />
<br />
And they are in 8th grade.<br />
<br />
If the goal was to inspire our students by exposing them to the American spirit as seen in the Museum of American History or the Air and Space Museum or the Museum of African American History and Culture, we probably failed. These students saw a lot on their visit but measuring the impact of seeing the Spirit of St. Louis airplane or the flag that inspired the Star Spangled Banner is difficult.<br />
<br />
And they are in 8th grade.<br />
<br />
Still, at times one could sense that these students were trying to figure things out.<br />
<br />
When we saw the name of a former Novi resident on the Vietnam War Memorial or the names of fallen police officers at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, these students were amazingly reflective.<br />
<br />
When we stood inside the US Capitol Rotunda, these students were filled with awe.<br />
<br />
When our guide shared the story of September 11, 2001, at the Pentagon Memorial and we stood over the youngest victim’s marker, I had a sense they were really trying to sort out the world in which we live.<br />
<br />
This trip is about those things. But it is about other things as well.<br />
<br />
One of the most important parts of this trip is for these 367 students to see that there are adults who care deeply for them. Not because of their grades or their looks or their families.<br />
<br />
No. These adults care for these 367 students because each one is unique and challenging and funny and young. And these adults want them to have a chance in this world.<br />
<br />
And that is why these adults invest almost 90 hours of their lives. So that these young adults can have a foundation on which to build their lives. These adults invest so that these young students can have memories that they may use to continue to build our world.<br />
<br />
Time well invested.<br />
<br />
<br />Steve Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09031708454552364049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738726415799154972.post-68467977315599273212018-10-31T16:24:00.000-04:002018-10-31T16:24:55.900-04:00To the parents of Bus #5November 6th is Election Day.<br />
<br />
Please vote. <br />
<br />
November 6th is also the day that I board a bus bound for Washington DC.<br />
<br />
I might add that also with me on this bus - Bus #5 - will be 3 teachers and 47 8th grade students. <br />
<br />
Please send good thoughts our way.<br />
<br />
We are part of the Novi Middle School 8th grade trip.<br />
<ul>
<li>8 buses</li>
<li>27 teachers</li>
<li>1 Assistant Principal</li>
<li>1 school police liaison officer</li>
<li>1 Board of
Education member</li>
<li>1 school nurse</li>
<li>And me - the Novi Community School
District Superintendent. </li>
</ul>
We board buses at 5:00 AM Tuesday, November 6th, and return home by midnight on Friday, November 10th. Over 350 8th
graders and their chaperones on a four-day journey to Washington DC and back.<br />
<br />
I have been on this trip five previous times. On my first trip in 2012, a norovirus swept through our merry band of travelers. Let me just say it was not pretty.<br />
<br />
I am sure it will not happen again.<br />
<br />
Why do we do this?<br />
<br />
To learn history, of course. To see the US Constitution displayed in the Rotunda of the National Archives Building. To see the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. To think and reflect on Thomas Jefferson and Martin Luther King Jr. and the Vietnam War Memorial.<br />
<br />
Your sons and daughters can at times be very reflective, understand the enormity of a moment, see with clarity how what they are studying about history in Novi, Michigan, connects with the larger world they live in.<br />
<br />
But, at times, we are reminded that they are 8th graders. <br />
<br />
On one trip, as we sat in Ford's Theater, a student listened to the guide and asked earnestly, "Wasn't President Lincoln shot in a theater?" The answer, of course, was "Yes. Yes President Lincoln was shot in a theater. In fact, he was shot in this very theater."<br />
<br />
So, at times, the lessons of history are not as clear as we think them to be.<br />
<br />
And that is when I am reminded that there are other purposes for this trip.<br />
<br />
The Washington DC trip is educational.<br />
<br />
But it is also about other things.<br />
<br />
It is about 8th grade students learning to navigate social situations on a bus for ten to twelve hours. It is about 8th grade students keeping track of their own suitcase. It is about 8th grade students listening to adults who are not their parents. It is about 8th grade students problem solving how to charge a phone. It is about 8th grade students being with friends.<br />
<br />
I am glad that our students - your sons and daughters - have this chance, can experience this trip in this way.<br />
<br />
It will provide lasting memories.<br />
<br />
And, if we are lucky, it will reinforce that we are fortunate to have each other. Steve Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09031708454552364049noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738726415799154972.post-11935420819011417942018-10-23T12:49:00.000-04:002018-10-23T12:49:59.511-04:00Wishes can come true<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Every year . . .</i></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>People come from all over town to adorn me with</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>scraps of paper, tags, bits of fabric, snippets of yarn,</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>and the occasional gym sock.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Each offering represents a dream, a desire, a longing. . .</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>They're all hopes for something better.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Wishtree</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Katherine Applegate</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In the Novi Community School District, we have wishes. For our students. for our colleagues. For ourselves. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In August, at the beginning of our school year, we started our school year thinking about what our wishes for the school year would be. I asked our staff to write down their wishes. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dm5xP_8V4AAIILV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dm5xP_8V4AAIILV.jpg" width="240" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img height="320" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DmwfQjuXoAA_g0f.jpg" width="240" /> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But now, eight weeks into the school year it is sometimes hard to remember what we wished for in August. Early mornings, late nights, grading papers, walking the dog, dropping off and picking up children, remembering to do the laundry, trying to remember everyone's name.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Life takes a toll.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So today, October 23rd, was our first Novi WishTree Day of the year. It was a day for the Novi Community School District staff to remember and reflect on our wishes for the school year and to recommit to working to make them come true.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Bob Marley (yes that Bob Marley) is reported to have once said, "The people who are trying to make this world worse off aren't taking a day off. How can I?"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In that spirit, our Novi WishTree Day was a chance for our Novi staff to wish again on this school year. </div>
Steve Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09031708454552364049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738726415799154972.post-6236289104385925352018-09-13T13:00:00.000-04:002018-09-13T13:00:19.899-04:00Some things work . . . Some things do notWe know what works and, just as importantly, what doesn't work.<br />
<br />
(That doesn't mean that new ideas, new ways of doing things, new practices won't be found. Of course they will and those new ways of doing things will improve our work tremendously.)<br />
<br />
But, for now, let's focus on what we do know.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Some things work. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Some things do not. </span></div>
<br />
Let's do what works.<br />
<br />
School teachers and administrators have the <a href="https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/" target="_blank">What Works Clearinghouse</a>. This website states its purpose is to provide "<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #101010; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 14.375px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">educators with the information they need to make evidence-based decisions."</span><br />
<br />
Doctors and patients have <a href="http://www.choosingwisely.org/our-mission/" target="_blank">Choosing Wisely</a> - a site dedicated to promoting "conversations between clinicians and patients by helping patients choose care that is supported by the evidence, not duplicative of other tests or procedures already received, free from harm, and truly necessary."<br />
<br />
If we know what to do and what not to do why do we choose poorly? Daniel Niven, a physician who studied why doctors did not abandon practices that were not effective, reported in a <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/10/upshot/its-hard-for-doctors-to-unlearn-things-thats-costly-for-all-of-us.html?action=click&module=Discovery&pgtype=Homepage" target="_blank">New York Times</a> article that:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: nyt-imperial, georgia, "times new roman", times, serif; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Even if the new contradictory science is accepted, providers often struggle applying this information in their daily clinical practice.</span></div>
<br />
There are reasons for why those of us who are supposed to now better do not change.<br />
<ol>
<li>We work in systems that do not adapt well to change. </li>
<li>We are stubborn.</li>
<li>We don't keep up with the science in our field.</li>
<li>We trust our gut more than the evidence.</li>
</ol>
My wish is that those of us in schools, those of us charged with making sure that our students learn, must be willing to use best practice, look at the evidence, and change when we need to and stay the course when it is appropriate. Steve Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09031708454552364049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738726415799154972.post-58585814009254822312018-08-08T10:44:00.001-04:002018-08-08T10:44:37.635-04:00Trust is earnedI walk into a classroom and see a nineteen first grade students. They are, even at this young age, all shapes and sizes and colors. Tall. Short. Stout. Slim. Brown. Black. White.<br />
<br />
It often takes my breath away.<br />
<br />
What these first grade students don't know but I do is that some are rich, some are poor. Some have parents with advanced college degrees, some have parents who have only a high school diploma. Some students live in a half-million dollar house, some live in a trailer park.<br />
<br />
And yet here these nineteen students sit, listening to their teacher and to each other. Each with a unique set of experiences, each adding to the rich tapestry of this first grade classroom.<br />
<br />
These nineteen students sit in this classroom because their parents trust us. Parents trust us to see the uniqueness in their child. Parents trust us to look beyond the color of their child's skin, the accent of their language, the clothes that their child is wearing to see who and what their child is and who and what their child can become. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7xVC2opEjDLao33j0hsbw6WZ-7VQ_OVlbWyPFdHHo5ZHbrqC3a0DXJHD6bVSSXGcNM69MNwfBGopH0SEyDVeHlmMiXvm_E09JhF9vxb2vcNkblTIBGh1Ix2bNZpLVh11CyN5CFmUILx8/s1600/Rice+students.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="839" data-original-width="1118" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7xVC2opEjDLao33j0hsbw6WZ-7VQ_OVlbWyPFdHHo5ZHbrqC3a0DXJHD6bVSSXGcNM69MNwfBGopH0SEyDVeHlmMiXvm_E09JhF9vxb2vcNkblTIBGh1Ix2bNZpLVh11CyN5CFmUILx8/s320/Rice+students.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/curiosity-and-the-prisoner" target="_blank">Atul Gawande</a> recently gave the commencement address at U.C.L.A. Medical School and he said, <br />
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<span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "adobe caslon" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif; font-size: 21px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">. . . trust is earned because of your values, your commitment to serving all as equals, and your openness to people’s humanity. </span><br />
<br />
A continuing, abiding, deeply-held value of those who work in public schools is that our schools should provide a place - a meaningful place - for everyone. We sometimes fail and stumble, but our core value is that public schools should provide a high quality experience for every student. <br />
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We begin to lose the trust of our parents when our parents begin to believe that we are sorting and separating our students. When parents see and believe that we, public school educators, are seeing some students as worthy of including and some students as less than that. <br />
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I believe in public education. But public education means that I have a moral obligation to provide a high quality, engaging experience for any student who walks through the door. I must believe that.<br />
<br />
Even though my students do not come to me with the same experiences, the same resources, the same foundation, I must see in every student possibility, promise, potential. <br />
<br />
Public schools are for all students.<br />
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That is the core principle of public education. Anyone who comes to the door of a public school is welcomed. <br />
<br />
And not just welcomed, but invited in with the promise that those inside will care for, challenge, comfort, protect, encourage, motivate, love, honor, and educate them.<br />
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We have not always lived up to that core principle. There are far too many instances where some students are valued less than others. Students with disabilities. Students of color. Students who look, sound, dress differently have historically been denied some of the benefits of a free and appropriate public education. <br />
<br />
But the goal remains the same. Our public schools do not turn anyone away. If you show up at our door, the promise is that we will educate you.<br />
<br />
Rich students and poor students.<br />
<br />
Students from two parent families. Students with only a mother. Students with only a father. Students living with grandparents. Students living with aunts and uncles. <br />
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White students. Black students. Brown students. Students who speak English and students who don't.<br />
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Straight students. Gay students. Students who struggle with their identity.<br />
<br />
In my district we have over 55 different languages from around the world spoken in the homes of my students. We don't have an ethnic majority - no race/ethnicity is over 50% of the student population. <br />
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We have students living in one of the wealthiest zip codes in the country and students who qualify for free and reduced lunches.<br />
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My district reflects the changing demographics of the United States. My district reflects the promise of public education, of public schools. <br />
<br />
We earn the trust of our students, our parents, and our community when we live our values - that education is for everyone who walks through the door.Steve Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09031708454552364049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738726415799154972.post-34136360610114150742018-07-03T16:30:00.000-04:002018-07-03T16:30:12.922-04:00We are in this together: It's not us vs. themEasy answers are easy to find.<br />
<br />
An <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2018/06/28/opinions/supreme-court-janus-decision-good-for-education-reform-opinion-jeb-bush/index.html?utm_content=buffere9881&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer" target="_blank">opinion piece</a> recently was posted on the CNN website. It heralded the Supreme Court's recent decision regarding union dues. I am not here to discuss the merits of that decision. <br />
<br />
What I would like to discuss is what was written in the first paragraph of the editorial when it states that with this decision the US Supreme Court provided an opportunity to overcome "<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #262626; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "cnn" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "utkal" , sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">two of the biggest obstacles to transforming education in America: the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers."</span><br />
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That's an easy answer. But, in my opinion, it's not true. <br />
<br />
I am not here to defend teachers' unions. But suggesting that they are two of the biggest obstacles to transforming education is not right.<br />
<br />
The author makes no mention of things like:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">poverty</span>, <span style="font-size: large;">racial discrimination, depression among children and teens, parental involvement, second languages, community support, funding, preschool education, the availability of public libraries, hunger, the impact of social media, an over reliance on testing</span>, <br />
<br />
In my opinion these are bigger obstacles to transforming education. <br />
<br />
The teachers I work with everyday in my school district search for ways to make a difference. This year a team of teachers at our high school teamed up to support students who struggled and over 80% of those students earned credit they would not have earned without that intervention, credit towards graduation. We have 2nd grade teachers who have started a garden club to help 2nd grade students learn a variety of valuable lessons - both inside and outside of the curriculum. We have teachers who pay for students' lunches. We have teachers who make sure that every student hears his or her name every single day.<br />
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The vast majority of these teachers are union members. Their union supports them. That is not to say that they do these things because they are union members but being a union member is important to them.<br />
<br />
Unions have professionalized education. Better wages. Better working conditions. Protections for teachers from people like me - administrators who are sometimes arbitrary and capricious and expect outcomes that cannot be achieved without fundamental changes in society. Unions have helped to identify what works in classrooms and with students, have raised relevant questions about how what goes on outside of classroom and school affects what goes on inside the classroom and school, and have, overall, exerted a more positive than negative impact over the course of their long history. <br />
<br />
I agree that unions have at times strayed from a laser-like focus on the issues that are relevant to classrooms, teachers, and improving schools. <br />
<br />
Perhaps the point being made in this opinion piece was that teachers should have a choice as to whether they should belong to the union. If so make that the headline.<br />
<br />
Suggesting that educational reform has been stymied by unions is to ignore the fact that teachers and their union leadership have fought for our students and fought to improve our schools for many years in large and small ways.<br />
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Are they always right? No.<br />
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Do they make mistakes? Yes.<br />
<br />
Can they do better? Absolutely.<br />
<br />
But are they part of the answer to improving education in my state and my district? I believe that they have been in the past and can and will be in the future. <br />
<br />
Do we need to improve education in the United States? Absolutely! But we will never get to that conversation if we continually make the conversation about other things. <br />
<br />
When we demonize institutions and people, when we artificially create us vs. them relationships, when we say if we could just change this one thing and everything will be OK, we prevent real dialogue and collaboration on really important issues. I would hope that we could move past attacks that seek to divide us and find ways to work with each other so that our students will ultimately benefit.Steve Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09031708454552364049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738726415799154972.post-9766860188109774892018-06-29T11:43:00.000-04:002018-06-29T11:43:23.673-04:00Can breaking and filling hearts teach lessons?<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: large;">A lot can happen in two years. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Two years ago as I left Stoney Creek High School, our Novi High School girls' soccer team was heartbroken. Defeated in a shootout in the state soccer semifinals.</span> </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: x-small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Two weeks ago as I left </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Williamston High School our Novi High School girls' soccer team was joyful. Victorious in a 1-0 Division One championship game!</span> </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJihcllsoaPMXCqr3Z-iihed46yApEm_6vcCbKc1f9wHD_6SdkAnGd9YOAEuPG6l908simhOC72sj_q2fdIlq-WC8q3sWKz6ZnpRKo5Ybml32IKvpi8amPCQODlaZqqyGUwhs4gucR34/s1600/Championship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJihcllsoaPMXCqr3Z-iihed46yApEm_6vcCbKc1f9wHD_6SdkAnGd9YOAEuPG6l908simhOC72sj_q2fdIlq-WC8q3sWKz6ZnpRKo5Ybml32IKvpi8amPCQODlaZqqyGUwhs4gucR34/s1600/Championship.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">This picture shows the joy and heartbreak. One team celebrates a championship. One team suffers in defeat.</span> </span></span><br />
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From time to time we debate the value of high school sports. Clearly at times there is an over-emphasis on winning. There are many examples of the adults who are in charge of high school athletics acting irresponsibly. There clearly is an actual financial cost to high school athletics.<br />
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But I believe in high school athletics. I've seen teams lose and I've seen teams win. But the value is not in the outcome. The value is in the process. <br />
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High school athletics teaches lessons that cannot be learned in a classroom. In the afterglow of the championship or in the crushing sadness of defeat the lessons may not be readily apparent. But both teams will at some point begin to recognize that success is difficult to achieve and not guaranteed.<br />
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This game came at the end of a long season for both teams. Each team had worked hard to get to this point. They had suffered through bad-weather games, difficult-field-condition games, very-good-opponent games. Through it all they had managed to find ways to win. And now they would play for a championship.<br />
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One team won. One team lost.<br />
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But valuable lessons were learned. Lessons about effort, commitment, teamwork, collaboration, sacrifice, and hard work are worth learning. These often are lessons that are not learned from a book. These are lessons that are learned from living life.<br />
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And often the lessons are learned in ways that can break or fill a heart.<br />
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Not every student participates in high school athletics. Participation in our high school marching band or in our robotics team or our quiz bowl team or our DECA and HOSA student organizations also help teach these lessons. Novi, like school districts all over Michigan and all over the United States, invest in comprehensive school athletic and extra-curricular programs because the investment helps our students learn important lessons.<br />
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Lessons that at times can break or fill a heart.Steve Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09031708454552364049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738726415799154972.post-36631841571063777222018-05-03T13:41:00.001-04:002018-05-03T13:41:46.663-04:00What do I see today?As I drove down the road, the sun set before my eyes. It was glorious. I had to take a picture.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4XhhHdU6s6JbSkWxfvqy8ojAkgjTMMcaVcXxhMMWmsRxkop_IT6TZJiJi5Dr8riu4R9O2ISiWxrpdkzbTALVIxlHJ-hxpgwNr5c158xUgqwUDEamT295lj2Mo5asqkjwuSoPYQ4_tYwY/s1600/Sunset+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="995" data-original-width="1325" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4XhhHdU6s6JbSkWxfvqy8ojAkgjTMMcaVcXxhMMWmsRxkop_IT6TZJiJi5Dr8riu4R9O2ISiWxrpdkzbTALVIxlHJ-hxpgwNr5c158xUgqwUDEamT295lj2Mo5asqkjwuSoPYQ4_tYwY/s320/Sunset+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Realizing this was a pretty silly thing to do while I was driving, I stopped along the side of the road to take another picture. And watch.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawf0u0nmZ2QnLlmCGnpv9y_UloS9Mm93nuVa8OFsHBkn_vQ_ghcGGPw_GSK9RxRYh_pjjmYIMoIAavP-R15bb7OGlheri0fHTxdGK0RL2qrHSQVh1oF-XHbMbF1shK4FF08o7VlxLhFo/s1600/Sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="852" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawf0u0nmZ2QnLlmCGnpv9y_UloS9Mm93nuVa8OFsHBkn_vQ_ghcGGPw_GSK9RxRYh_pjjmYIMoIAavP-R15bb7OGlheri0fHTxdGK0RL2qrHSQVh1oF-XHbMbF1shK4FF08o7VlxLhFo/s320/Sunset.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
No other car stopped. Traffic continued to fly by. Nobody it seemed was noticing - but me.<br />
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Every day incredible, wonderful, beautiful things go on all around me. <br />
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How often do I fail to see?<br />
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How often do I instead focus on those things that are not so incredible, not so wonderful, not so beautiful? How often do I not see the things that will bring me joy?<br />
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An age is called dark not because the world stops producing beauty. An age is called dark because people fail to see.<br />
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Steve Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09031708454552364049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738726415799154972.post-89985391518479963762018-04-13T15:40:00.000-04:002018-04-13T15:40:08.865-04:00Why teachers are willing to look foolishHere he was . . .<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZVAs-g908JR93ox9lzXIzhB8EusMsCkRr6tkMMq9emYU9Nxv-s_jOGYBf8RljTM2mh2AvF2Vvljk5cC49fd9uzHRPRV9v-bVCWmYtsePjtRDjah3BovzSooycDl6d3gfMrocMh4X3y4/s1600/Bubble+ball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="341" data-original-width="454" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZVAs-g908JR93ox9lzXIzhB8EusMsCkRr6tkMMq9emYU9Nxv-s_jOGYBf8RljTM2mh2AvF2Vvljk5cC49fd9uzHRPRV9v-bVCWmYtsePjtRDjah3BovzSooycDl6d3gfMrocMh4X3y4/s320/Bubble+ball.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
A <span style="font-size: x-large;">grown</span> man. <br />
<br />
Inside a <span style="font-size: x-large;">bubble</span>. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Knocked flat</span> by an 8th grader during a spirited game of Bubble Ball Soccer.<br />
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Legs splayed, <span style="font-size: x-large;">students cheering.</span> <br />
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Not everyone is meant to be a teacher. And this is one of the reasons why.<br />
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When you are a teacher you are willing to become <span style="font-size: large;">vulnerable, exposed</span>.<br />
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When you are a teacher it is you and twenty-two or twenty-seven or thirty-three students. Every minute. Every hour. Every day. For hours a day those faces look to you for guidance, for direction, for a way forward.<br />
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The faces of those students will let you know when you are awful at your job. Depending on their age they may even tell you when you are awful.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Vulnerable. Exposed.</span><br />
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But they will also erupt in <span style="font-size: x-large;">joy</span>, a smile spread across their face, a <span style="color: black; font-size: x-large;">sparkle</span> in their eye when the struggle pays off, when understanding comes, when their vision becomes reality.<br />
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<br />
To be a teacher means that you are willing to admit when you don't know an answer, to talk about how you struggle to find just the right word to finish your essay, how you get scared when you try to learn something new.<br />
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When you are a teacher you are willing to express your <span style="font-size: x-large;">enthusiasm</span> for history or solving complex problems or visiting museums. When you are a teacher you talk passionately about why you learn, how you learn, your <span style="font-size: x-large;">longing</span> to learn.<br />
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And at times your students will not understand. But, in time, you hope they will. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Vulnerable. Exposed.</span><br />
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And you are willing to get into a bubble and play soccer knowing that you will look foolish because you understand that vulnerability breaks down barriers, open doors, cements relationships that can, at some point, lead to learning. And for that you are willing to be . . . <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Vulnerable. Exposed.</span>Steve Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09031708454552364049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738726415799154972.post-14950917494589298812018-02-15T16:02:00.001-05:002018-02-15T16:02:16.684-05:00Tools to talk to kids about tragedy<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
The school tragedy in Florida makes most of my week’s activities seem trivial. I know what I do and what I talk about will be important, but it pales when considering the events in Florida.</div>
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Today, I want to be in my school district, walking the halls, reassuring teachers, saying hello to students, calming parents.</div>
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Doing that would calm me.</div>
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But more must be done. Our students need us - the adults - to help them process the news. However, we - the adults - have a hard time processing tragedies like this as well.</div>
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Here are two resources that might help.</div>
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<a href="https://childmind.org/article/helping-children-cope-frightening-news/" target="_blank">Helping children cope with frightening news</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.pbs.org/parents/talkingwithkids/news/" target="_blank">Talking with kids about news</a></div>
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We need to do more. Pass legislation. Reform existing laws. Support mental health initiatives. But those actions can wait for another day.</div>
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Today and tomorrow, and in the days to come, let’s make sure we can help our children talk about and reflect upon another day of terrible news. </div>
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Steve Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09031708454552364049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738726415799154972.post-63506947024115825962018-02-08T12:54:00.000-05:002018-02-08T12:54:10.948-05:00When the kids are swearing at me<span style="font-size: large;">"You should be mad,"</span> they said to me.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>"I would never let kids talk to me like that,"</em></span> they said.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">"These kids should be punished. They were very disrespectful,"</span> they said.<br />
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What did I do that made all of these kids mad?<br />
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I didn't call a snow day. <br />
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When we were in school most of us loved snow days. The unexpected day off. The sweet bliss of ignoring homework, staying up late, sleeping in. The interruption of the routine.<br />
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As the Superintendent the actual snow day is fun. Getting to the snow day - not so much.<br />
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I happen to believe that school matters. I know that learning can take place anywhere and that learning certainly is not confined to the hours of the school day. <br />
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But school potentially provides an enriching environment. Students lives are enriched when they feel safe, when they have positive peer interactions, when they have some structure and discipline to their day, when they experience new things, when they are challenged to think in ways that they have not thought before.<br />
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Being in school provides those experiences.<br />
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More importantly, students lives are enriched when they have positive interactions with adults who are not their parents. Students lives are enriched when school teachers and administrators and counselors and secretaries know students' names, ask about their lives, push, mentor, guide, and support them. <br />
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Those things happen in schools every single day.<br />
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So not being in school is a big thing to me.<br />
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But on occasion, it is not safe to be in school. A power outage, a water main break - there are a host of things that can make school not a safe place. <br />
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In Michigan, during the winter, snow is the thing. Getting to school. Getting home from school. Making sure teachers and students can arrive on time and safely is of utmost importance.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This year</span>, on Super Bowl Sunday, it started to snow. But it was during the day. Our maintenance crew was on it, getting the plows out early. Our city sent their plows out. And, in the end, we received only about 4 - 5 inches of snow. The vast majority of it before night fell.<br />
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I was confident that we could have school.<br />
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But some schools were not so confident. They had buses that traveled over dirt roads, their city services may not have been as good, and so on. <span style="font-size: large;">And</span> those schools closed.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And the students in my district were mad.</span> They took personal offense that I did not close our schools. I was not alone. Other schools around us were open. But that did not matter. Our schools were open and they wanted them closed. <br />
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And some of them took to Twitter and other social media outlets and let me have it.<br />
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Most of it was good fun. <br />
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And I enjoy the banter with the students. I joke with them. They joke with me. They create memes of me. I laugh. They laugh.<br />
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But some of it crossed the line. It became personal. Inappropriate and vulgar language was used. Attempts were made to embarrass or humiliate me. <br />
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People actually felt sorry for me.<br />
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What's the appropriate reaction to mean-spiritedness like that? I believe it becomes a teachable moment.<br />
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We live in a world where there are many examples of people yelling and cursing to make their point. My students see adults every day calling other adults names, trying their best to humiliate, embarrass, or belittle. It appears that there is an intoxicating allure to making one's self feel powerful by swearing at or embarrassing another person.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Schools can help.</span> Schools can model for our students how to poke fun in a positive way. Schools can help students reflect on appropriate ways to express frustration or anger or disappointment. Schools can be places where kids and adults figure out together the power of social media to influence another person.<br />
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And that is what has happened in the schools in my district. Teachers have used this as a teachable moment. Teachers have had conversations with their students about how messages are sent and how messages are received. This event has opened doors and allowed meaningful dialogue about social media to take place.<br />
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And today a <span style="font-size: x-large;">major storm</span> is predicted - for tomorrow. <br />
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What will I do? And what messages will I receive?Steve Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09031708454552364049noreply@blogger.com5