Author: mrkobot

102 Review, December 4th, 2017: Necessary People, Necessary Memos

Posted on by mrkobot in Principal's Blog

 “Humans don’t mind hardship, in fact they thrive on it; what they mind is feeling not necessary. Modern society has perfected the art of making people feel not necessary. It’s time for that to end.” 

Sebastian Junger

One of our colleagues mentioned to me the other day that “maybe work doesn’t fulfill other people the way it does for you.” She’s wrong. Not because everyone else are fulfilled to the brim, but it’s because a workday where visiting the vending machine is the highlight can hardly qualify as a fulfilling one. In fact, sometimes it feels exactly the opposite: “emptydraining” is more like it.

But there’s not a chance I won’t come in to try to do better because I know I’m necessary. And I’m necessary because I support people who are more necessary: YOU.  Think about all the great, impactful moments your students wouldn’t get if you didn’t come to school each day. I think about Sabrina holding a corner of a table while a student is banging his head against it; I think about Diana just flat-out refusing to give up on anyone (even when they make a fine case to do so); I think about Zecca and Summo’s beard choosing to engage with 40+ students AFTER a whole day with them to lead the school play; and I think about the 329 trifecta doing I don’t even know what they do to make sure their students win.

Fulfilling? Maybe. Necessary? Absolutely.

WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS

K-2: Mrs. Landaas’ TG had all the makings of quality thinking mixed with a dash of solid parenting. “If you have 8 items to eat some are Hershey Kisses and some are crackers. How many of each would you want? You have to have some of each.” Students interact with the number “8” in the ways that they know how, while learning from their peers different ways to make 8. Other than having to have 8, there are no limits on how they can set up this number sentence.

3-5: This week, Ms. Nova pushed class 5-338 to evaluate the strength of their evidence for their persuasive essays by pulling 2 student-selected quotes and asking, “Which one is stronger at supporting my claim?”  Students engaged in lively discussions, as they agreed and disagreed with one another about the relevancy and strength of text-based quotes against their claims.

6-8: Mr. Gebhardt was asking his 7-402 class to think like paleontologists and his TG was: do you ever wonder how the fossils got to the Museum of Natural History?  it’s engaging for students to become scientists by imagining the steps and the outcomes.

 

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

PARTY YOU SHOULD GO. Thank you Ms. Green and Ms. Vyas for putting this together.  Never been a fan of crowds, but I do look forward to the holiday party each year because I get to see and enjoy you all when you don’t have the crushing responsibility of teaching each day. Sign up here!

CALLS WE SHOULD HOLD. I’ve always been slightly surprised at the amount of calls made to classrooms while teachers are teaching. The office will no longer call you for information that can be obtained elsewhere, such as your daily schedule, periods off, etc.  We will work to adjust protocol so that only the necessary calls are made.

CALLS OR EMAILS YOU SHOULD SEND TO KO. I can’t fix or do what I don’t know. Thank you to Nova and McClain for updating me on facility issues and we’re hoping things will look up soon once the that department is fully staffed. All emails to APs with requests–tech, schedule, materials, student, etc.–should include me as a cc. APs will continue to make those decisions and I will chime in should I have solutions on my end to assist you.

IMPORTANT MEMOS (YOU WILL SOON GET TO KNOW). Field trips, sick students, picking up students from lunch, instructional program expectations…and more. Mr. Borelli will email and mailbox everyone once they are ready.

102 Review, November 27th, 2017: Accountability and Thank You’s

Posted on by mrkobot in Principal's Blog

Hope you enjoyed a warm and restful Thanksgiving! I’ve always found the period between Thanksgiving and Holidays to be a a productive stretch of the year, and it’s important we need to maximize our efforts with decisive, clear, and intentional practices. Here’s a note on making accountability work:

Accountability is all the rage in education these days, and rightly so. Student-centered learning–the other thing we’re all raging about–is simply not possible unless the teacher already has highly effective accountability systems in place for students. When done right, accountability systems do not enrage but serve as a scaffold as it breaks down an overarching goal into a series bite-sized, actionable, and track-able tasks. However, accountability will surely confound and enrage should it miss any of the following 4 things:

1) It’s underlying purpose is clear: (“Why do we need to do this well?)

2) Thoughtful expectations are communicated early and clearly: (“Do we know exactly what’s expected, when it’s expected, and that it’s all possible?)

3) Monitoring systems are sound; (“Would a job done well be represented accurately?”)

4) Application is uniform and transparent (“Are we all held accountable? And do we know how we’re doing as we go?”)

Think about all the things you ask students to do each day, whether it’s thinking critically, using Lexia, group discussions, homework, or behavior. Which one of the four do you find missing? Need improving?

(FYI I’m solid on 1 and 3…ok on 4……2 I’m getting there…)

Discuss with your AP should you need support it’s a thoughtful topic that schools don’t engage in nearly enough.

WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS

Sheerin: Class 4-336 worked through a lesson on multiplying 2-digit numbers using area models and partial products.  By giving them the freedom to choose numbers that are easier to multiply, she made the rigorous task accessible to all.

Weinstein: Teaching her 6th grade Spanish class how to translate autobiographical paragraphs, Ms. Kelly first asked them to translate a sample from Spanish to English and then create their own autobiography using the sample.  Ms. Kelly used this as a way to assess how well her students are learning to spell and write Spanish.

Borelli: Mrs. McLain and Ms. Rafferty held a pre-Thanksgiving feast with their Pre-K students and families. The simple act of coming together to begin building lasting relationships within the school community put smiles on everyone’s faces.

 

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

Monday Inquiry. Please work with your team as planned. I will come by to discuss purchases.

102+ is 102 Noooooon-Stop.  We are currently planning our next cycle of 102+.  There will be 12 sessions in this cycle and the focus will be on Reading & Writing.  All sessions will be held on Wednesdays and Thursdays either before or after school for 1 hour.  Dates are as follows:

  • January 10 & 11
  • January 17 & 18
  • January 24 & 25
  • January 31 & February 1
  • February 7 & 8
  • February 14 & 15

The posting will be up this Friday, December 1 in the main office.  Please email Sally Mills and your AP if interested.

(Thanks for organizing, Ms. Sheerin!)

OPERATION THANK YOU website is live Last year all 68 of our classes thanked someone in the school for the amazing services they provide. Here are the videos teachers uploaded to Vimeo.com as requested. If your video isn’t up here (and the odds are it isn’t if you’re K-5) and would like to share, please use our school account at VIMEO.COM

username: wko2@schools.nyc.gov; password: emerson102

Once you upload shoot me an email and I’ll connect it to the site.

(And yes, there really is a Batman quote…right next to one by Dumbledore. Thanks, Ms. Arlequin!)

It’s time to create a school email list for parents. (Not that this is a response of some kind…)  Ask your parents to sign up should they welcome communcation a bit more timely than backpacked letters. ps102q.org/signup

(Thanks Ms. Weinstein for going in late Saturday to record a voicemail for families last week!)

White Apple Laptops. They’re old. Should you still be using one, shoot Mr. Borelli and me an email to trade it in.

(Thanks for getting our new tech inventory in line, Mr. Borelli!)

Lateness Emails: We don’t want to run into the problem of logging staff as late when you’re not, so I’ve asked Ms. Mills and Mr. Borelli to email everyone who we inputted as late. Please shoot back an email immediately if you believe we’ve made an error.

(Thanks, Ms. Mills, for being efficient and being a great tea-tutor!)

TG WALKTHROUGH NOVEMBER 30th. Same deal as usual. Feel free to review this guide, ask for a thinking partner, or simply send me what you’re thinking and we can discuss over email. Just please refrain from “How can” TGs…

102 Review, November 13th, 2017: Lots of Stuff

Posted on by mrkobot in Principal's Blog

WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS

The nine-deep 2nd grade team captured judge grandma’s heart with their routine, and they were able to edge out a few other contenders to win the prestigious Halloween Team Costume contest. Laminator (Yes, Ms. Cohen, it’s the industrial one) or printing station? Gift cards to Starbucks or Dunkin? Let me know and congrats!

Weinstein: Learning how to apply operations using rational numbers,  Ms. McCabe’s students were working on a problem that included the application of operations as well as the need to recognize what to do with remainders in a division problem. Ms. McCabe effectively  created a question and discussion session where students enthusiastically built on one another’s ideas until the class came to an end product together.

Sheerin: This week, Class 4-336 worked through a lesson on multiplying 2-digit numbers using area models and partial products.  Ms. Tasca showed students how to break down a 2-digit number into 2 smaller numbers before multiplying.  This strategy visibly eased student anxiety by giving them the freedom to choose numbers that are easier to multiply, thereby making the task accessible to all.

Borelli: Ms. Devito brought a bit of Cross-Fit to 1st grade this week. How many 6 year olds can do a burpee? The students were tasked with “Mission Possible!” which is a team exercise to accomplish 5 activities together.Thank you Ms. Devito for keeping the kids revved up and ready to learn.

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Please work with your inquiry team tomorrow afternoon. Specify where you will be meeting for  the next few sessions in your inquiry template. Admins will be visiting to discuss needs, purchases, and to answer any questions you may have,

Parent Teacher Conference this Thursday. Memos to families have already gone out, and you should prepare for a busy day. Session 1 12:30PM to 2:30PM, session II 4:30PM to 7:30PM.

  • Google Translatecan translate for you verbally via your smartphone, in real time. You should download the languages in advance so you can use it even if the network is down. Google Translate also translate documents that you take a photo of. Thank you Thiri for your write-up!

A Word of Caution on Using Behavior Tracking/ “Gold Star” Training Programs Such As Class Dojo. It’s unquestionable that these programs work like magic with certain kids. However, you should also be very mindful how these systems affect students who simply aren’t built for linear and controlled learning environments. Students with ordered intelligence will win every gold star in school; whereas their chaos intelligence peers will not be fully appreciated until they can let loose their problem-solving/creative skills later on as adults. Both types of minds are necessary; let’s try not to extinguish the fire of one before it’s even lit.

ENL Compliance Visit on 11/16. Visitors will be dropping by to assess our compliance to ENL regulations. Let me know now should you have any questions or concerns.

Trash. I will work something out with our custodial team to set up a schedule for replacing trash bags. Should you find your bin having dirty bags, let your AP know immediately so it can be replaced right then and there.

Nurse. The last two weeks have not been good for us health-wise. You are not to allow a student back into class after vomiting. Again, call an AP or the main office should they be brought back to class.

Bathrooms. If the staff restrooms are lacking in cleanliness, do not wait for a meeting to request assistance. Call for custodial services immediately.

New shirts. There’s a reason why there’s a picture of a headless model up top. I saw someone wearing that shirt while on my first 102 DC trip, and I thought it was a terrific design that I’d appropriate eventually. The 2017 102 shirt: now with less circles, more rectangles, same amount of black, and is a touch more declarative to meet today’s needs.

Screen Shot 2018-05-28 at 2.30.11 AM

102 Review, Authentic Inquiry

Posted on by mrkobot in Principal's Blog

WEEKLY HIGHLIGHT

Borelli: Mrs. Chin began working on Tech Flex period that showcases the best features of a Blended Learning environment so that her 1st grade students can each work on reading and math at just the right level. Using math chapter tests to hone in on specific students for Mathletics instruction, F & P levels for Lexia instruction, and pulling small groups to touch-up learning, Mrs. Chin is personalizing learning for all of her students and not leaving anything to chance.

Sheerin: This week, Mr. Horodyski opened a lesson on virtual reality (VR) technology with a short video on how VR is being used to treat people with chronic pain.  Although students initially wanted to get right into designing their own 3D environments, they were enraptured with this video and how VR extends beyond gaming.  Mr. H gave purpose to students’ learning through real-world application.

Grandma: 這些老師真棒！ 你確定他們是天天的學校嗎？ 怎麼可能？(These teachers are amazing! Are you sure they are from Tin Tin’s (aka Wil Ko) school? How is that possible?!)

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW:

Monday PL: Tomorrow we’ll kick off Inquiry, our platform for school-wide learning and improving. The next few Mondays–see calendar below–isn’t about paperwork, compliance, or fulfilling someone else’s needs. It’s purely for you to learn so you can do what you want to do better, quicker, and easier. Talk, plan, try, make mistakes, and do whatever else you need to learn and get better.

Each grade band will meet with their APs for a Kick-Off meeting tomorrow afternoon to discuss and finalize inquiry groups. We will present some of the teams we feel are necesssary (Intervention, ICT, Writing, TC Workshops, etc.), and we also want to hear your input as any inquiry work should have explicit connection to a current problem or challenge and can help you NOW.

Monday, 11/6 at 2:45PM

PK-2: 305

3-5 : 307

6-8: 309

Marking period 2 Grades are due this week. On Election Day, Ms. Weinstein will be hosting an optional workshop for any teachers who wish to get a refresher on how to use STARS classroom. She will also give you immediate support should you have questions.

Election Day: Starts 8:10; Ends 3PM

Welcome, Ms. Claudia Rendon! Our new Parent Coordinator starts this week–say hi when you get a chance.

School of Rock: Ms. Sheerin should have already provided you with directions, logistics, etc. If you need clarification, ask now.

Halloween Contest: After a weekend of reviewing these Photos, grandma has made her decision. To be revealed tomorrow morning!

102 Review, October 29th, 2017: The Unyielding Non-Negotiable

Posted on by mrkobot in Principal's Blog

Since my first 102 Faculty meeting, I have not deviated in my words or actions in communicating what I consider as 102’s chief objective: to be a factory that mass produces kind, compassionate human beings that by 8th grade have already internalized the power and joy of caring for others, and can’t be anything but. The recognizance that they may be outliers among peers should we succeed is unfortunate, but even today in world where self-indulgence is the name of the game, we already need to have a bit of a rebellious streak just to be kind.

And I always thought it was Think for Yourself so you can care for others.

An incident Friday left me seething over the weekend. A female student alleged that a male peer inappropriately touched her as they were walking as a class, and she said it wasn’t the first time. But that’s not the most infuriating: it’s thinking about the inadequate reactions from bystanders that keep me up at night. In this case, the alleged victim said a group of by-standing boys joked and laughed as the event unfolded, and no one interceded.

Whether intentional or not, this is emotional/mental abuse at its purest form: force a victim into a position they never wanted, shame them for it to chip away their self-worth, and repeat the cycle so much that the victim no longer see themselves as worthy of better circumstances. 

The rapidity in which the hopelessness and the poor self-image/self-worth bind to the individual is terrifying. It is paramount that should we witness the deliberate demeaning of any individual we must respond fast and respond decisively. Our students look to us as moral authorities and both our actions and in-action have lasting consequences. Love and kindness is not something you can teach via an online course or by using a textbook; love spreads only through experiences, not flash cards and Khan Academy and multiple choice tests.

Our students depend on us to provide them these experiences because the world they inhabit afterschool–the online one–is hardly a bastion of compassion and moral righteousness.

We can’t control what happens in the greater world, on and offline. In 102, however, we will do whatever it takes to nurture kindness by eliminating anything opposite. And that’s an unchanging and unyielding expectation.

HIGHLIGHTS

Sheerin: This week, as class 3-227 deliberated the day’s TG, Ms. Wright reminded students to use language appropriate for class discussions.  They used statements such as “This statement is true/false because…;” “I agree/disagree with…because…;” and “I see it differently.  The way I approached it was…”  While the TG elicited students’ content knowledge, Ms. Wright’s expectations for discussion pushed them to explain their ideas clearly and succinctly, as well as ensuring they listened to one another and built on each other’s ideas.

Weinstein: The 8th Grade team of Ms. Arlequin. Ms. Eliades, Ms. Gaffan, Ms. Green and Ms. Zecca pulled off another fantastic spirit week.  Students and teachers came together to celebrate all week with events that culminated in our Friday afternoon Pep Rally.  Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to the 8th grade students and thank you to all of the staff who also participated.  It’s what 102 is all about!

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Drills: Mr. Borelli sent out a reminder of drills and the description and purpose of each. Post this adjacent or directly on your classroom door by Friday COB. Students are reporting that teachers are confused what to do in each instance, please help us ensure this never happens again.

Absences: Thank you for requesting personal days in advance, and I’ve respected these requests accordingly as promised. In case of a need for an emergency sick day, I do request that you show our team the same respect in shooting me cc’ing your AP a one-sentence email letting us know. Many have been doing so and we deeply appreciate it.

2:50PM: We are anticipating great things tomorrow, and we want to make sure we get some photo ops at the end of the end as a group. I am asking all staff to release at 2:50PM tomorrow, and the 20 minutes you stay tomorrow can be taken off Wednesday, meaning we dismiss staff at 3:05PM November 1st. Please let me know should you need clarification or accommodations.

Observations: TGs manifest itself in planning 1E, questioning 3B, intellectual engagement 3C, and assessment 3D, and is now an embedded element in all observation feedback. We will start TG workshops in November, and our expectations is that the TG are thoughtfully designed to push students to think about specific, focused thinking points to connect pieces of prior knowledge, leading to the desired learning. Post-ob feedback meetings have led to real and and productive growth opportunity, and you should always check-in with APs and myself should you see something we may have missed in the report

Costumes Contest: Can’t wait. Be amazing.