tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45595314906294800072024-02-19T11:11:52.049-05:00Dr. McCarty's BlogWelcome to my blog! I am excited about sharing my thoughts with you and the wonderful things that are happening in our school. Additionally, I like to share my thoughts about books and articles that have helped shape my leadership and assist me with be an effective instructional leader. At Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School, we strive for academic achievement and social excellence through respect for self, others, and our shared environment.Ann M. McCartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05511074556011816426noreply@blogger.comBlogger177125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4559531490629480007.post-79540864210585560712011-01-05T14:07:00.001-05:002011-01-05T14:08:23.609-05:00I have moved!Check out my <a href="http://www.drmccartysblog.blogspot.com/">NEW BLOG!</a>Ann M. McCartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05511074556011816426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4559531490629480007.post-55723419700520803272010-09-07T19:48:00.000-04:002010-09-07T19:50:08.070-04:00A Wonderful First DayWe had a great first day at MEH today. It was invigorating to see all of the students and students in classrooms creating a lively learning environment. Thank you to all of the teachers, parents, students, and members of our community who always make the first day of school so special!<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Ann M. McCartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05511074556011816426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4559531490629480007.post-60559293881748887112010-08-14T10:06:00.005-04:002010-08-14T10:10:58.303-04:00A Book Discussion with my NephewLast night I had a conversation with my nephew who is already back in school. We talked about the opening days and how things were going. We also had a conversation about the books that he was reading. He explained that reading wasn't really fun for him and that he didn't particularly enjoy the classroom library. To further his frustration, every time he went to the public library, every copy of the Wimpy Kid was either checked out or lost. He was convinced that they were never going to have that book. I asked him one easy question: "If you were reading books about football or things that you liked, you would read more of them?" And from the mouth of a 3rd grader, "Well of course!" Something for us to think about is student interest and empowerment when it comes to learning and materials. My nephew is only 8, but I think he speaks for kids everywhere - please, give me a choice and I will show greater interest. My charge to anyone who works with children, think about appropriate times and places where they can have a choice. Empowerment is a wonderful tool. I know it works on me!Ann M. McCartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05511074556011816426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4559531490629480007.post-77082717774381772112010-08-09T19:26:00.003-04:002010-08-10T15:08:05.695-04:00Invigorating MeetingToday I met with our Literacy Team to plan our upcoming professional development and walked away even more excited about our venture into Reader's Workshop. Based on the work of <a href="http://teacher.scholastic.com/professional/readexpert/laurarobb.htm">Laura Robb</a>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">MEHMS</span> teachers will go through ongoing professional development to prepare teachers to take on the task of implementation. Over the summer, teachers have read <a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=aAHYweYU4lgC&dq=teaching+reading+in+middle+school&printsec=frontcover&source=bn&hl=en&ei=749gTJXpK8P6lwem45SYCQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&sqi=2&ved=0CDEQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q&f=false">Teaching Reading in Middle School</a> and <a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=i945_YRldQMC&printsec=frontcover&dq=bringing+words+to+life&hl=en&ei=F5BgTOiVB8KB8gaYrey4DQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CDAQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false">Bringing Words to Life</a>. Two wonderful books about strategic reading curriculum and robust vocabulary instruction. I am looking forward to Ms. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Piscopo</span> taking over as the Word Wizard. It is going to be a great year at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">MEH</span>!<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Ann M. McCartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05511074556011816426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4559531490629480007.post-53587045412025887442010-07-29T09:12:00.003-04:002010-07-29T09:27:04.772-04:00National Middle School Leadership InstituteThis past month, a team of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">MEH</span> instructional leaders had the opportunity to attend the National Middle School Association<a href="http://www.nmsa.org/ProfessionalDevelopment/ConferencesWorkshops/LeadershipInstitutes/tabid/372/Default.aspx?PageContentID=206"> Leadership Institute</a> in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Williamsburg</span>. Our team was able to collaborate, deliberate, and most importantly learn from other middle level educators. Mr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Dippold</span> and I had the please of being teamed with <a href="http://www.framingham.k12.ma.us/fuller_about.cfm">Mr. Juan Rodriguez</a> as our Super Team Leader. We were able to learn more about leadership and how to transform schools to meet the needs of all students. It was an exceptional experience.<br /><br />The institute is designed to meet the needs of middle level leaders through responsive planning and class sessions. Furthermore, the institute is completely designed through the lens of <a href="http://www.nmsa.org/AboutNMSA/ThisWeBelieve/tabid/1273/Default.aspx">This We Believe.</a> Anyone who has read this blog, knows that this is perhaps one of my favorite books. I challenge anyone to read this publication and argue that anything in it is not good for young adolescents. In fact, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">NMSA</span> has taken out the word school on their newest edition because they believe that their recommendations are appropriate for anyone who works or spends time around young adolescents. If you have not read this book, I encourage you to do so. It will change and enrich your perspective and thinking about young adolescents and their specific needs.Ann M. McCartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05511074556011816426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4559531490629480007.post-53004324912924227042010-06-05T07:55:00.003-04:002010-06-05T08:03:05.942-04:00Changing pedagogical practices - a reflectionWhen we read a professional journal or a curriculum book, how does it change our thinking and what we do in the classroom? Do we try to think about what we are already doing and make it fit to that, or do we think about how to change current practices? My guess is that unfortunately, we fall into the comfort of the first. Why? Change is hard. The period of disequilibrium that is created when learning something new is so uncomfortable that as adults, we find it difficult to approach. Isn't it just easier to do what we have always done - that is our comfort zone after all. I say no. Every day we are stretching the minds of our young adolescents and asking them to change their thinking and ways of doing things; therefore, we as adults should model this as well. I do think that educators can fall prey to calling techniques different things or making them appear to be the latest and greatest. I believe that we go back to these words: developmentally appropriate. If we teach and build our repertoire from those two words, we will make our decisions with instructional integrity rendering a product that is in the best interest of students. All this to say, the next time you read your favorite educational piece, think about its root, its purpose, and how it applies to the development of the age of student with whom you are working. Keeping this in mind will make that element of change a bit easier. Our students continually change - so must we. How boring life would be without it. <input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Ann M. McCartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05511074556011816426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4559531490629480007.post-79188023475691731752010-05-23T10:04:00.002-04:002010-05-23T10:11:55.244-04:00Back to blogging..............................I must admit that the craziness of the busy school year and the dissertation writing took me away from keeping up with this blog. Now that the dissertation is done it is time to get back into this great habit. Throughout this year, we have learned about differentiated instruction; more of building the differentiation toolbox. The staff has learned a variety of reading strategies for multiple content areas as well as learned some very cool engagement strategies from our Math specialist. But what makes this unique? Nothing.<br />Mixed ability classrooms are a huge component of Middle School programs and teachers face this every day. Just like the sizes of middle school students vary, so do their learning styles and speeds. One could argue that those who teach young adolescents have one of the hardest jobs in education. I would agree. Being a Middle School educator means that you understand and accept the social, emotional, and academic roller coaster and are able to keep the car on the tracks. It is not an easy job, but it is a rewarding job. Young adolescents are some of the most impressionable people and as adults we can have a profound impact on their lives both in and out of the classroom. <input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Ann M. McCartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05511074556011816426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4559531490629480007.post-18760930178386920912010-04-17T08:47:00.002-04:002010-04-17T08:50:10.197-04:00I made it.......For anyone who has stuck with reading this blog while I have had it, you know that this is a combination of both work and school. I have discussed many of the things I learned in my research and studies that were applicable to the middle school setting. The good news is that I successfully defended my dissertation and am now officially Dr. McCarty. The hard part now is figuring out what I am going to do with all of the time I used to spend writing. I guess I keep writing! But first, I will complete some projects around the house.Ann M. McCartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05511074556011816426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4559531490629480007.post-79149048349186869572010-03-21T20:14:00.002-04:002010-03-21T20:16:45.688-04:00Spring WeatherI realized today just how long it had been since I blogged. It is hard to believe how quickly time flies when you are busy. This is our last week before spring break! Take some time to relax and enjoy the weather, and of course, the cherry blossoms. This is a busy time of year for students as we begin to work on transition and getting ready for next year. Make sure you get plenty of rest to keep up with everything that is going on at school.Ann M. McCartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05511074556011816426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4559531490629480007.post-64074081849068958182010-02-27T21:50:00.002-05:002010-02-27T21:53:10.062-05:00Another wonderful show!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8bEpjBNyOZRV3922SoypASOV92H1Y3Q2-gTIFvpEqJE-eT3GKXepLbuRyj2e7rOjUU6w7PT8XYL67AMemJ87B19-AdMGtbUBRE-j5i3_6IP1YUF1yx4TRhPVvUQnGn784JG2-tkA_jVEv/s1600-h/music_man.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 257px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8bEpjBNyOZRV3922SoypASOV92H1Y3Q2-gTIFvpEqJE-eT3GKXepLbuRyj2e7rOjUU6w7PT8XYL67AMemJ87B19-AdMGtbUBRE-j5i3_6IP1YUF1yx4TRhPVvUQnGn784JG2-tkA_jVEv/s320/music_man.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443121349673557778" border="0" /></a>Congratulations to all cast and crew of Music Man Jr that performed Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The show was full of wonderful singing and lots of laughs. A special thank you to Mrs. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Piscopo</span> who takes on the task of making this special for all of the students involved. Another thank you to all of the parents who helped with rehearsals, costumes, and general support. The effort put into to making a production like this successful is simply amazing.Ann M. McCartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05511074556011816426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4559531490629480007.post-19151412242126872742010-02-11T08:11:00.002-05:002010-02-11T08:17:51.653-05:00Snow, snow, and then more snow.....oh waitI have to honestly say that I don't know that I have seen snow happen like this in my lifetime. Growing up in the Midwest, you just get used to snow - from November to at least March, there is always a chance of snow and more than likely, some on the ground. Getting 4-6 inches only adds to what you already have on the ground - not really a big deal. However, over the past couple of months, the DC area has experienced <a href="http://voices.washingtonpost.com/capitalweathergang/">3 blizzard</a>s. While I think everyone is tired of digging out and shoveling, there is an upside to all of this madness. How many of you have caught up on necessary tasks? How many have spent more quality time with your loved ones than you ever thought you would? So in the grand scheme of things, we will continue to marvel at what mother nature has given us, but let's focus on this gift of time.Ann M. McCartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05511074556011816426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4559531490629480007.post-27122582524399985032010-02-06T09:34:00.003-05:002010-02-06T09:45:10.352-05:00Time and ReflectionAnyone who knows me as a school leader knows that I think second most precious resource is time - children are first. It seems that the winter snow has interrupted our time more than we care to talk about. However, while the students are busy enjoying this time sledding, snow boarding, or playing video games, faculty has been busy catching up with everything they wish they had time to do in the regular day. This past Monday, the teachers created a visual of how they use their time in their block periods. In turn, 7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> grade students reflected on how they use their time during the day. This exercise, while a bit abstract and frightening, is worthwhile because it helps us focus and think about how we use our time. In education, there a plenty of <a href="http://www2.ed.gov/pubs/PrisonersOfTime/index.html">studies</a> done on time and how to use it effectively to help students. And s<a href="http://mappio.com/mindmap/cbrown/steven-covey-s-time-management-matrix-as-a-mindmap-map-2-of-2">elf help authors</a> will help us organize our lives to "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">maximize</span>" our time. So, as the snow continues to fall and your car gets deeper into the depths of snow, think about how you will use this time. Make time for reflection - you will find that it can be a worthwhile activity helping you to prioritize and use your time better.Ann M. McCartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05511074556011816426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4559531490629480007.post-11591141578920395282010-01-07T19:55:00.002-05:002010-01-07T20:04:48.439-05:00Romeo? Juliet? Julius?This has been a wonderful week of students participating in our Artist in Residency program and rehearsing for the performance tomorrow. We are looking forward to seeing our young artists perform various Shakespeare scenes! A special thank you to our PTA for making the AIR possible. Another special thank you to the parents who volunteered this week to help keep the sessions moving and supervising students. <input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Ann M. McCartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05511074556011816426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4559531490629480007.post-71764980489189059382010-01-03T10:17:00.001-05:002010-01-03T10:19:07.911-05:00Get those alarm clocks readyThe end of winter break means we have to bring back out those alarm clocks for that early start time. Make sure you relax today Huskies and get to bed plenty early tonight. Hopefully, the Sunday night jitters won't keep you up. See you early tomorrow!<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Ann M. McCartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05511074556011816426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4559531490629480007.post-42535268059052650782009-12-30T23:35:00.002-05:002009-12-30T23:41:31.598-05:00New Year's ResolutionsHuskies,<br /><br />It is that infamous time of year when we resolve to do things better, look at things differently, and set new goals for ourselves. As we begin the new calendar year think about how your want your new year to be - what will you do to make it different? better? What new goals will you set for yourself? I encourage students to think about the pledge you made at the beginning of our learning new year to make it a better year - are you still doing the things you said you would? Help us in making the rest of this learning year more fulfilling with your new year's goals and resolutions.<br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Ann M. McCartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05511074556011816426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4559531490629480007.post-39833578264241867612009-12-22T18:11:00.005-05:002009-12-22T18:30:53.902-05:00Real World Math Problem for Huskies for break!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqv68uftishCvIAGRyn8UsCfbIySWz8UMXExUH4ctp8JpfWz4_BQqOU1G41Ln_o7CXkE0qRfGXDkc5UUDdRLDx4ZO0SQpoq7Gvoyz5O71hBJ6Vpge_2qVmqGnnOZ9VXZj74D4TwYrAArVJ/s1600-h/Snowed+in+Cars.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 97px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqv68uftishCvIAGRyn8UsCfbIySWz8UMXExUH4ctp8JpfWz4_BQqOU1G41Ln_o7CXkE0qRfGXDkc5UUDdRLDx4ZO0SQpoq7Gvoyz5O71hBJ6Vpge_2qVmqGnnOZ9VXZj74D4TwYrAArVJ/s320/Snowed+in+Cars.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418204568025521298" border="0" /></a><br />As we continue to explore the <a href="http://www.ibo.org/myp/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">IBMYP</span></a>, our questions become bigger and more relevant for our students. So today I pose this <a href="http://ojs.jstem.org/index.php?journal=JSTEM">STEM</a> (science, technology, engineering, and math) and Physical Education question to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">MEH</span> community (or DC community at large).<br /><br />If a metropolitan city, like DC, <a href="http://www.alternet.org/rss/the_wire_provided_by_huffington_post/101032/blizzard_2009:_east_coast_snowstorm_as_seen_from_space_%28photo%29/">were to get 20 inches of snow in less than 24 hours</a>, what would be the best way to remove it given that the temperature stays close to or below freezing?<br /><br />Things to remember and think about:<br />Parking lots are limited<br />Equipment<br />A lot of people park on the street - what happens to them?<br />How much snow can you move in an hour?<br />What will be your equipment of choice?<br /><br />Happy thinking! Have a great break Huskies!Ann M. McCartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05511074556011816426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4559531490629480007.post-32654239149817976562009-12-19T09:09:00.003-05:002009-12-19T09:28:28.151-05:00QuestioningThis year I have had a lot of conversations around the art of questioning. We often don't think about how we phrase our questions, we just ask them. But think about the power of purposeful questioning. Francis Hunkins states that "In a classroom atmosphere conducive to good questions and questioning, students realize a shared responsibility for their learning." Questions are a data gathering tool that can be used to guide instruction as well as provide insight to student schemas and understandings. When I attended the <a href="http://www.ibo.org/myp/">MYP</a> Level I workshop, we did some extensive work on framing questions to guide curricular units and lessons, to which we were not allowed to lead the learner. Rather, foster the idea that there are no wrong answers. In fact, this is an integral part of the <a href="http://www.ibo.org/mission/index.cfm">IB Mission</a> statement noting that people, with their differences, can be right. Purposeful questioning allows us to provide rigor in the classroom through inquiry and advanced thinking - something we want for every student. The best part: it can be tailored to meet the needs of every student.<br />Want to know more, I recommend: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span><a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=jHLNw8ajzIwC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_v2_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q=&f=false">Quality Questioning - Research-Based Practice to Engage Every Learner by Jackie Walsh and Beth Sattes</a><br />or<br /><a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=1&ved=0CAcQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdownload.intel.com%2Feducation%2FCommon%2Fro%2FResources%2FDEP%2Fprojectdesign%2Ftransforming_classroom.doc&rct=j&q=quality+questioning+in+the+classroom&ei=TOEsS___NtSWlAeU__CnBw&usg=AFQjCNF34AEkjor5BbbujfzzgEAfg7Rd6w">Transforming the Classroom with Effective Questioning Practices</a>Ann M. McCartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05511074556011816426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4559531490629480007.post-61820115547601973642009-12-16T22:11:00.002-05:002009-12-16T22:15:02.569-05:00Principal's CoffeeA special thank you to the parents who were able to attend today's coffee. I had a conversation with our PTA president after and she noted that while the subjects we talked about were "hot" topics, the type of discourse we had today helps us continue to make change and be a more responsive school. Talking about and implementing change is never easy and doing it is even more difficult. However, this is how we make progress!<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Ann M. McCartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05511074556011816426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4559531490629480007.post-72233917385270923882009-12-15T15:16:00.002-05:002009-12-15T15:18:06.439-05:00Music, Music, Everywhere!Just a reminder for parents that tonight marks the start of our Concert Season. Come and listed to the beautiful voices of our 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span>, 6<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span>, 7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span>, and combined choirs. I got a preview today at lunch. A show sure to please.Ann M. McCartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05511074556011816426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4559531490629480007.post-37687377703407446472009-12-05T12:25:00.001-05:002009-12-05T12:28:22.208-05:00Reindeer RompThis morning I participated in the Girls On Track Reindeer Romp at Reston Town Center. What a powerful event to see girls and their buddy runners out there in the cold striving to make it to the finish line. We are very proud of all of the MEH runners! They did a fantastic job running and had fun while doing so. Thank you to all of the adults who helped out either running, volunteering, or holding antlers!Ann M. McCartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05511074556011816426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4559531490629480007.post-11867183509529565312009-11-21T10:02:00.002-05:002009-11-21T10:18:42.757-05:00Lesson Planning is a behind the scenes art form.I have been working on the results section of my dissertation and currently answering my research question on how teachers deliver developmentally appropriate instruction to middle school students during a block period. It seems the resounding answer is just three words: quality lesson planning. One of my favorite middle school gurus is <a href="http://www.principals.org/s_nassp/sec.asp?CID=937&DID=56786">Rick <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Wormeli</span></a> who stated "extensive planning is essential for effective block schedule instruction." In his book <a href="http://www.stenhouse.com/shop/pc/viewprd.asp?idProduct=328&r=">Meet Me in the Middle</a>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Wormeli</span> discusses <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">the challenges</span> teachers face, but provides real examples to assist teachers with this large task called lesson planning. If you have ever planned a lesson, you know exactly how difficult it can be to make sure it is successful. I think <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Wormeli's</span> take on the behind the scenes effort based on knowing your students and planning lessons that give all students access to the curriculum in a format that is engaging to them is the key to success.Ann M. McCartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05511074556011816426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4559531490629480007.post-26470266056589804052009-11-15T09:40:00.002-05:002009-11-15T09:42:56.729-05:00Second Quarter BeginsIt is hard to believe that the 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">nd</span> quarter is already starting. It seems like we just finished with the first week of school. Remember to stay focused and keep up the good habits that your learned and practiced during the first quarter.<br /><br />Report cards come home Friday!Ann M. McCartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05511074556011816426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4559531490629480007.post-9969511734821202922009-11-01T08:49:00.008-05:002009-11-01T09:00:08.863-05:00Husky Spirit WeekHuskies - show your crazy school spirit by participating in Spirit Week Activities<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjyN-WF70w5vKYP7G5dLu8jXu89mMLaxCCb_WPuVXlZByOdkV8xHcqkMkMm9vU1TovQUbH6X4EWePT54IjP5Apht3_sfPFUb51vx9PG5EQRLr2gbuOX47lnqv71TUBH_-HVB4Y87Lgqd1/s1600-h/crazy+socks.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 110px; height: 83px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjyN-WF70w5vKYP7G5dLu8jXu89mMLaxCCb_WPuVXlZByOdkV8xHcqkMkMm9vU1TovQUbH6X4EWePT54IjP5Apht3_sfPFUb51vx9PG5EQRLr2gbuOX47lnqv71TUBH_-HVB4Y87Lgqd1/s200/crazy+socks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399132809564115522" border="0" /></a>Monday Is Crazy Sock Day<br /><br />Tuesday is Wea<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdv4SroQdGw3PyRp1ZhEkRE3ZaF4ieytOauVpXR8TB82kfNzhP1Cjpf5ZyntMdKUGzJTmU1M1FqXyJwmF74IsPiGp6jo8bc0AMpObGLpJxLyJOLjQEr8VMDmOmPNiLnDY3Pb2bNimuNl9g/s1600-h/big+ohio+state+logo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 106px; height: 103px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdv4SroQdGw3PyRp1ZhEkRE3ZaF4ieytOauVpXR8TB82kfNzhP1Cjpf5ZyntMdKUGzJTmU1M1FqXyJwmF74IsPiGp6jo8bc0AMpObGLpJxLyJOLjQEr8VMDmOmPNiLnDY3Pb2bNimuNl9g/s200/big+ohio+state+logo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399132918935590578" border="0" /></a>r Your Favorite Sports/Team Day<br /><br />Wednesday is Crazy Hat Day<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGKo5djRjPqHivW8U4Gfdc0sJlt7tF6I_jar4VGbD2Adn25VN7vXJobktxkvxFqurYR4qZzIUvgG1q_OG4A9YdPlwe7chQ5mRAhbVuiIWJXCHISrnBDRtviKCC9CLgLRng-og-Sq7zCRk/s1600-h/crazy+hair.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 115px; height: 93px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGKo5djRjPqHivW8U4Gfdc0sJlt7tF6I_jar4VGbD2Adn25VN7vXJobktxkvxFqurYR4qZzIUvgG1q_OG4A9YdPlwe7chQ5mRAhbVuiIWJXCHISrnBDRtviKCC9CLgLRng-og-Sq7zCRk/s200/crazy+hair.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399133162507996706" border="0" /></a>Thursday is Crazy Hair Day<br /><br />Friday is Husky Spirit or Blue and Green DayAnn M. McCartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05511074556011816426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4559531490629480007.post-64533908118298292532009-10-31T10:57:00.002-04:002009-10-31T11:04:28.649-04:00The Art of Adult LearningAs educators, we frequently focus just on our students and how they learn best. But the adult learning is just as important. Through my reading and research, I have found that the adult learning styles can be drastically different than students. Furthermore, adults, because we are older and a little more set in our ways, are not necessarily as adaptable as students. So as an instructional leader, it is important to realize that with my staff comes a host of different learning styles ( much like a classroom). So the question becomes, how do we do professional development so that it meets the needs of every learner. How many times, as an adult, have you walked into a training and you sit in front of a power point and "learn." Is this similar to the "old school" version of teaching and learning when the teacher lectured and the students took notes? No matter who we work with, we have to create the experience so that it is conducive to their learning. Empower the learning, get them involved, and most of all, personalize their learning.Ann M. McCartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05511074556011816426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4559531490629480007.post-328468296236027252009-10-18T11:24:00.002-04:002009-10-18T11:30:54.195-04:00Top 4 technology needs..............................Mr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Sparrgrove</span> asked me this week, what are the top 4 technology needs for school administrators. It made me really think about what I use to help make me more effective. My list was quite simple: a land line phone, a computer, a lap top, and a camera. I told him if I could add a 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> it would be a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">walkie</span> talkie. My motivation behind most of them was ability to communicate, document, and ensure safety. I have shared my thoughts with Mr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Sparrgrove</span> several times that I fear that technology has moved us away from person to person interactions, which I feel is a huge part of my daily life. How often have you written an email or <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">received</span> and email and you just aren't sure how the other person wanted those words to sound? While I love technology, I encourage everyone to take some time to think about his question. I know that successful principals conducted business with very little technology, but were they more efficient? or did they have better relationships? or is it both?Ann M. McCartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05511074556011816426noreply@blogger.com