edcampWG

Dear Families,

On January 2, preschool through sixth grade staff had the opportunity to learn together at edcampWG!  What makes the "edcamp" model of professional learning unique is that participants have the opportunity to initiate what they want to share, learn about, and/or discuss - THAT DAY!

Here is just a sampling of the more than 40 topics explored: 20% time in the classroom, social justice, Twitter, meeting the mental health needs of children, relevant writing, initiating big change, cooperative learning in the arts, coding, and pop culture in the classroom.

In addition, staff also had the opportunity to interact with local agencies in support of both child and adult learning.  Some of those groups included the Washington University Young Scientist Program, Preferred Family Health, Webster Groves Farmers Market, Monsanto, and Keep Art Happening.

All in all, it was a great morning of learning!

Each child, Each day...John

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.

Social Justice - Staff Professional Learning

As part of the district's continuing efforts to promote equity and access for all in everything we do, staff in their second year in the district participate in yearlong study of social justice.  To date, approximately 70% of district staff have participated in this rather introspective experience primarily focused on race and the role it plays in each's life as well as others.  Today, the cohort gathered for a day of powerful learning with one another!

Each child, each day...John

Equity in Education Team: Meeting Minutes

Good morning,

As a community that values learning, diversity, and community, please click here to access the minutes from last night's Equity in Education Team meeting.  Some of the items included in the minutes are:

• a flyer to help advertise the district's upcoming Teacher Recruitment Fair,
• information regarding an upcoming clothing drive at WGHS,
• the date for this year's Dr. MLK Jr. Community Event, and
• the Equity in Education Team's selected area of focus.

Please reach out with any questions, inquiries, or wonderings.

Take care...John