We did it—what seemed like the longest 3-day work week ever is now behind us and we did so in typical 102 fashion. Still in the midst of resolving a host of issues relating to programming, enrollment, curriculum, and scheduling for the new school year, we managed to pull off an incredible Meet the Staff night for parents on just our 5th day back. From Ms. Quarto—where informative slides are orally translated from Italian to English to Chinese between teacher, student, and parent—to Ms. McLain and Ms. Patalano discussing learning with parents sitting in miniature sofas, our teachers made sure that all families felt the same unmistakable energy of joyful learning that radiates from our every corner.
Your efforts in planning this event in such a short turnaround is hardly unnoticed; you communicated in just one night your professionalism and commitment to student achievement—a crucial first step in establishing trust in our partnerships with parents.
Despite the success, it was clear from my conversations with parents that we can take huge strides in improving our communication and interface with parents. Our parents, like the students they’ve raised and whom we love, are motivated and eager to learn and to self-advocate. When they raise concerns and complain about the things we do and choices we make at 102, I hear not uncooperative parents and contrarian voices; instead I hear humble calls for more information and a better understanding of our work. When parents of general education students express concern in their children’s placement in ICT classes, they do so not from ill-will but from the inherent fear of a lack of understanding. When parents question the the instructional strategy of students assessing one another’s work using a sound and student-friendly rubric (quoted above), they do so because they were never taught that peer assessment is one of the most effective tools in communicating clear criteria for student work and generating student ownership of learning.
We are experts in education and we are doing the right things. Let’s teach parents so they can be the same. As we plan for future meetings, newsletters, and parent teacher conferences, I challenge all of us to think of ways in which we can grow the capacity of 102 parents to be experts in education and equal partners in student learning.
This Week’s Highlights:
Both Ms. Arlequin and Ms. Winter’s students have already completed (typed!) writing assignments posted on their respective bulletin boards. Achieving is about making every second of our lives count, and the students in these classes have already learned a valuable lesson.
Mr. Gebhardt and Mr. Postance—our resident photographer and techie extraordinaire—continue to freely share their talents to better the 102 community. Whether it’s updating the school website or taking headshot of our PA members or writing apps and setting up the 14 computers in my office, these two gentlemen add an aura of professionalism that is uniquely 102.
Things You Need To Know:
-Next Monday Mr. Borelli will be leading a presentation on school safety. Completion of this training is mandated by the DOE and you should report to the cafeteria immediately after dismissal.
-On Tuesday new teachers will meet with me and Mr. Borelli during professional time. Location TBD. Matched mentors and mentees will meet with Ms. Atkins and Ms. Mule during the same time.
-New staff members should have their picture taken by Mr. Gebhardt next Monday after training. You should also submit your info for the faculty directory on our website.
-The first fire drill is tentatively set for next Tuesday. The first 3 fire drills will be announced.
-You should have noticed a computer set up in the main office facing out. The purpose of this computer is to provide parents with a portal to relevant information and a channel to give us timely feedback. I will be setting up a short survey where parents can inform us on how we can improve the services we provide. More info to follow.
-Please see attached memo from the Tech Department regarding checking out equipment.
See you next week!
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