Week 2

Slowly but surely things are falling into place.  We have a great group and there are amazing things ahead for us.  I realize that with this group, I am the unknown variable for many of you.  I'd like to change that.  Although this is my third year at Shayne, much of my work and time was spent behind the scenes.  To be completely honest, that was absolutely fine with me.  I've always said I was not meant to be Gladys Knight-I'm satisfied being a Pip!  My job is to let others find their inner superstar.  That was how I approached working with teachers, but it is also the way I work with students.  My goal is to teach the students to think for themselves and be resourceful so they can solve problems without me.  If any of you are into educational philosophy and reading, much of my own professional philosophy has been molded by Mortimer Adler's Paideia model and Art Costa and Bena Kallick's Habits of Mind.

So, there is another little slice of what makes me tick.  As for class this week, it is all about reading assessments this week.  It's not my favorite time either, but I think the students really dislike the numerous assessments.  We'll get through them and move on.  To measure our growth, we have to know where we start.

Book orders came home today.  These are made available for your convenience.  It is a fairly low cost option for you if interested in purchasing books.  No pressure!

Several of you have asked, so I will add a class wishlist to the blog in a day or so.  If anything comes up between now and the next newsletter, you'll read it here first!  Have a good week!