Special Day In The WGSD!

Good afternoon,

Today was a special day for me for two reasons.

First, I had the opportunity to listen to a group of dedicated and thoughtful high school teachers discuss the experience each had spending an entire day as a student at WGHS.  To a person, they shared their experiences and the thoughts, images, and words that still resonate.  While not surprised, I was moved by their care and commitment for the children they work very hard to serve.  "Thank you" to their principal, Jon Clark, for providing them with the opportunity to experience a student's day and for bringing them back to debrief the experience with one another.  In addition, Dr. Clark is planning on having them share a summary of their experiences and reflections with colleagues at an upcoming meeting!

Secondly, I had the opportunity to take in the balloon launch at Hixson (video below).  While on the surface it may purely look like fun (Which clearly it was!), the children are actually involved in the process of learning as they explore: 1) how the Kinetic Molecular Theory might be used to illustrate particle movement in each state of matter, and 2) how changes in energy change volume of matter.  "Thank you" to the teachers and all those supporting such an engaging and meaningful learning experience for children!

We're blessed to be in a district in which staff are committed to their own continued growth in support of relevant, engaging, and relational learning for children!

Each child, Each day...John

Pitch Day! - Team Harmony

Yesterday was "Pitch Day" on Team Harmony at Hixson Middle School.  Students had the opportunity to share their 20% Time projects with Hixson and other district staff.  To learn more about what's happening with 20% Time on Team Harmony, check out their blog: http://harmonizedlearning.blogspot.com/.

Each child, Each day...John

Hour of Code - Avery Adventure Club

Good morning,

Students who attend Adventure Club at Avery recently had the opportunity to participate in a free introductory class in computer science.  Brian Ackley, a staff member in the program, provided this unique and engaging experience for the children using code.org.  As you can see from the pictures below, the students were really engaged in this super rich learning experience!  Brian will be sharing this experience with interested district staff member as part of our professional learning experience on January 2!

Each child, Each day...John

Cardboard Furniture!

Pictured: Tahlia Davis, Johnny Hearn, Taylor Derrickson, Madison Masserello, York Lee, Rebecca Park and Ashli Wagner. (Not pictured: Hannah Albers, Anna Brush, and Alex Floresca)

WGHS Art Club students recently completed a project in which they developed creative, yet functional furniture out of cardboard for a staff professional learning space!  Our curriculum and instruction department is so grateful to the students and their caring teacher, Mr. Andy Throm, for sharing their gifts and talents with the adult learners in the WGSD!

Each child, Each day...John

PS: Look for an upcoming article in the WK-Times regarding this project.