Amazing Leaders at Avery Elementary

Good afternoon,

About a week ago, I had the opportunity to spend a few hours observing the wonderful learners at Avery in action!  Here are a few examples of what I witnessed:

• Children engaged in an exploration of colors and patterns on a SMARTboard.
• Adults in numerous classrooms and learning spaces intentionally placing themselves at eye level with children (many on the floor!) as they played a game, collaborated on a piece of writing, etc.
• A teacher facilitating a beautiful discussion with her children in which they contributed ideas for how they might redesign or contribute to their classroom in a way that supports their development as readers and writers.
• Children laughing and having fun as they played a game in physical education which supported their development with gross motor skills and elevated their heart rates at the same time.
• Children playing a game on an iPad that required them to demonstrate their understanding of angles.
• Children working in learning spaces designed just for them!

Also, a few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to watch Evelyn Linck, Mia Willis, and Sam Miller, along with Dr. Arnold, share about Avery's Leader in Me program with superintendents and school board members from around the state.  The children rightfully received numerous comments for not just their speaking skills, but their poise and courteous demeanors.  They truly were the highlight of the conference for many attending including myself!

Enjoy the clips and photos below, as they serve as a small but powerful sampling of the wonderful learners at Avery!

Each child, Each day...John

Exploring Different Cultures at Hixson

Good afternoon,

I recently visited Hixson Middle School in order to take in Team Journey's Culture Fair.  Dr. Rachal and her teammates did an excellent job providing children with the time and space to share their learning with others!  Among many other reflections, the children commented on the skills they used to complete the project and what aspect of their learning most challenged them.  Below is a picture of Gianni who partnered with another student to study Kenya.  In addition to learning that Gianni knows quite a bit about Kenya, I also discovered that she possesses the skills to one day become a chef!  The Kenyan dessert she made was fantastic!

Each Child, Each Day...John

WAFC: Children Transforming Their World

Good afternoon,

One of the most joyful aspects of my job is spending time in schools with our children and staff.  Actually, it's THE most joyful aspect of my job!  This morning, I spent 2 1/2 hours at our nationally recognized preschool, the Walter Ambrose Family Center.  Please enjoy the video that follows which highlights the amazing learning taking place there!

Each child, Each day...John

Learning in the WGSD!

Good Afternoon,

There are many reasons why the Webster Groves School District is such a special place, and one main reason is the priority that we place on learners and their learning.  No matter your size, age, or role within our district community, you are seen and valued as a learner.  Here are a few pictures that highlight our learners in action, constructing knowledge from their experiences.

At the WAFC, this child uses her hands to determine the size of the marbles, and experiments with the different sounds created when they collide.

Three WGHS students collaborate on a paper within a space in the library that high school students designed for such collaboration.

Third grade teachers from across the district engaged in reflective dialogue centered on the concepts from the "Collaborative Report."

A number of staff including myself participated in our district's weekly twitter chat initiated by some of our wonderful staff at Hixson Middle School.

While I don't have photos of the experience, I also wanted to share that building and several district administrators (including Dr. Riss, Supt. of Schools) spent a Thursday morning visiting several classrooms across the district to observe our wonderful teachers in action and to continue to work on implementing our teacher evaluation with fidelity.

While learning is certainly ubiquitous, the adults in the WGSD work hard to design relevant, challenging, and rewarding learning opportunities (and spaces for) for both the children they serve and themselves!

Each child, Each day....John

First Weeks of School!

Good afternoon,

As you know, the school year is off and rolling!  Each year, learners enter our buildings filled with hope and possibility.  As my colleagues and I visit schools, programs, and events, we're reminded of how special our learning community really is.  Many of us in central office, including myself, spent quite a few years in other school districts.  While they were each excellent districts, we can each speak to the intentional and tangible care, that is given to children as learners and as people (if they could really be separated) in the Webster Groves School District.  I promise - it is unique and special!

I wanted to update you on a few items that relate to the office of curriculum and instruction.

Back to School Event
This year, families and community members were invited to welcome our staff back to school at our annual district kickoff event!  On behalf of all my district colleagues, I want to say "thank you" to each of you who came to cheer, hug, and ring cow bells for all our dedicated staff!  I hope that next year our crowd grows even larger!

MAP Results

Please click here to read a letter regarding the 2014-15 state assessments and future related information.

Phil Wojak - Peabody Award

Last night, WGHS physics teacher, Phil Wojak, was recognized with a Peabody Leader in Education Award.  Congratulations, Mr. Wojak!

Committee Sign-Up
If you are interested in participating on a district committee, please click here by September 2 in order to express interest!

Each child, Each day....John

Back to School BBQ - This Saturday!

News 4 Story on WGHS Future Leaders Program

Good morning,

Check out this video and article related to Webster Groves High School's Future Leaders Program that took place last week!

Each child, Each day...John

http://www.kmov.com/story/29557873/news-4-schools-incoming-webster-groves-freshmen-learn-to-navigate-high-school-from-upperclassmen-teachers