When an instructional coach debriefs with a teacher, or when a teacher conference with a student, when is it constructive feedback that builds and when is it criticism that hurts? One is absolutely necessary for growth, and the latter does little more than belittle.
And what separates the disgruntled teachers who can never seem to stop complaining and the teacher leaders who is always active in helping the school recognize things in need of attention and/or ways it can keep improving? One is a toxic liability, and the other an incredible asset. Responding appropriately to each is perhaps one of a principal’s most impactful, and thus most important, job duty.
And how will parents take your comments at Thursday’s Parent Teacher Conference? Will they think of you as someone who is looking to shift blame, or will they think of you as someone who is making a genuine outreach to empower families in helping their children learn?
One can cause you a year full of complaints, and the latter unlock the path to incredible student learning as well as the unrivaled joys of fulfillment successful teachers feel in June.
I believe the answer is identical in each of the three scenarios.
We’ll take some time to discuss this on Election Day, and until then consider this homework: a Thinking Generator from me to you and I look froward to hearing from everyone next week.
HIGHLIGHTS
The 4th grade STEM team, all new to 102 this year, took little time in taking the lead in making incredible impact for 102. Bringing the Mighty Milers program to 102 for the first time, Ms. Merino took her students to a track event at The Armory alongside Ms. Green and the Young Runners today and the students had a blast. An incredible distance runner herself, she was a huge reason why 102 was chosen as the NYC public school to be featured in the New York Road Runners community outreach program. Film crews will be here on Tuesday, and we are so excited to be able to spotlight our incredible students and their efforts.
Ms. Anna Arsenault’s application to the STEMmattersNYC Budding Scientist Program was accepted and not only will the students have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge STEM learning, they will also be presenting their findings next June to a panel at a conference. Can’t wait!
And we can’t leave out Ms. Mills who tops them all with sharing with me the Alexander Camelton news. Thank you for providing our AM announcements with a brief respite from all the Hillary-Trump news.
From Mr. Borelli: Mrs. Marshall’s students in Class 3-302 presented their personal narratives to a captivated audience of parents and teachers. Part of 102’s new TC literacy program, class 3-302 demonstrated the heart of a story with such expressive reading and some ad-libbed side stories. When students are given the time to tap into their ideas, they become more empathetic, and we then all realize how much we actually have in common with one another.
From Ms. Mulé: This past Tuesday, students participated in the city wide initiative called Team Up Tuesday. Thank you to Mr. McManus and Ms. Pearlman for organizing this partnership with our local police precinct. Officers from the 110th precinct showed up for Mr. McManus’s mini “police academy” where students worked out with and competed with officers to complete the rigorous training regimen that future police officers go through. The afternoon ended with a spirited basketball game where – not surprisingly – the Eagles came out victorious. Mr. McManus, Ms. Pearlman and the officers from the precinct taught the students a valuable lesson about team work and competition, as well as instilling confident in individuals. Thank you for a great afternoon!
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Operation Warm: Please look out for any students who come to school with outfits that appear to be inadequate for the cool weather ahead. We have stocks of free coats to give out and give Teresa a call to get one.
The ENL morning program will begin this week. Thank you Ms. Bagni for coordinating as usual. Please note: This is a Title III ENL program and is different than 102+ that will be offered to all students. 102+ will be begin later this year to at risk students and and teachers who’ve applied to teach AM/PM program will be notified soon.
Middle School Student Email Accounts: Please submit to Ms. Mulé FULL SETS of your homeroom students’ signed forms sent home last week. Once you have done so email me and I will provide you with a list of their account names and login info. What transpired the past few days due to one student’s ability to post anonymously on another’s homework caused significant turmoil for some of our families and staff–my hairline visibly receded in just one week–IT CAN’T HAPPEN AGAIN.
Changes to MONDAY PL: Announcements will be made tomorrow regarding the afternoon professional learning. We’re making a slight adjustments and you may reach out to UFT reps Sharon and Maureen for clarifications.
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