The local news media has recently been bringing to the forefront some of the changes happening in public education today. But for those of us who work in schools, these changes, including the Common Core Learning Standards, new teacher and principal evaluation practices (APPR) and mandated testing are almost old news – especially here at WG.
We have spent the last four years engaged in the work necessary to understand these changes and what they mean for educators and students alike. The work has included multiple professional development opportunities, too many to count, including collegial circles, action research, summer workshops, professional development days and presentations at faculty meetings. We are constantly reading, discussing, revising, and creating units and lessons that align with the standards and include 21st Century skills. Simultaneously we have a clearer understanding of how children learn, the importance of relevancy and what the research says makes a teacher highly effective. We know more today about how to engage and challenge students than ever before and have more resources at our fingertips. Despite what you may have heard, it is an exhilarating time to work in public education.
Even during times of sea change, there are things that remain constant. The role of parents as their child's first teacher, the importance of fine arts and physical education in developing the whole child, the imperative to model good character traits…these will always be part of our mission. The daily practice of reading is another constant that contributes most directly to a rigorous and meaningful education.
Reading across all genres broadens a child’s experience with ideas, vocabulary and the world outside of Camillus. Extended school breaks, like the one we are about to begin, provide the time and quiet to read books outside of the daily assignments from teachers. I know, it can be a challenge to get our children to read; there are so many other activities (digital and otherwise) competing for their attention. But if we select the right book, provide a place and model how to revel in a good story, our children will receive one of the most important gifts we can give them. Even our 8th graders are not too old to enjoy a story read aloud by an adult. Want some suggestions…here are a few books I have read lately, and they are perfect for middle school students (and make a great gift).
Toughness by Jay Bilas – Any ESPN fan will recognize the author on the front cover. Jay recounts his personal story as a student, collegiate and pro athlete and coach along with his wise words about perseverance and character.
The Reason I Jump by David Mitchell – Translated from Japanese to English, this memoir is in a question and answer format and explores the life of the original author as a 13 year old with Autism.
Strength of a Champion by OJ Brigance – I just bought this book after learning of the author's story from watching my favorite television show, CBS Sunday Morning with Charles Osgood, (9:00 a.m. every Sunday – you won’t be disappointed if you watch). His story is riveting and heartbreaking yet is true to its subtitle of "finding fortitude through adversity."
Brilliant Blunders by Mario Livio – The author is an astrophysicist who dispels the notion that some of our most esteemed scientists like Enstein and Darwin never made mistakes in their pursuit of knowledge. You can't put this book down.
Petey by Ben Mikaelsen – If you haven't heard, the author is coming to visit WG on Feb. 7th to mark our first One Book, One Town, Everyone Reads event. This piece of realistic fiction reminds us all that one person can make a difference.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens – My family's all-time favorite read aloud. Even if you have seen one of the many movie versions, you’ll still want to read the book. The imagery and suspense are brought to life in a way that is missing from film. The pages where Marley reminds Scrooge that we "are all fellow travelers to the grave" are particularly poignant. Note to parents who want to read this aloud…take a few minutes to pre-read the pages you are going to cover each day, some of the syntax can be tricky in places.
All of us here at CMS wish you and your children a peaceful and beautiful holiday season. We look forward to welcoming our students back on January 2, 2014!
We Celebrate Learning!
Beth
