Last week the Ministry of Education contacted our district to find out what we were doing to show a continued improvement in graduation rates. When our superintendent called to find out what we thought, I told him that one of our staff's strengths was keeping our struggling students engaged by working through our School Based Team to implement a number of interventions designed to help our kids be successful. I also indicated it was a reflection of continuing to offer a wide array of choices for students to help them find something and someone to connect them to their school. For example, providing students with an opportunity for personalized fitness. Although we received some criticism for moving our library and converting the space to a fitness facility, we are now able to provide students with an opportunity to engage in strength and conditioning activities throughout the day. While some suggested this was a move that highlighted a focus on athletics, rather than academics, the impact has been to the contrary. This was highlighted by a suspension meeting I attended last week. At the meeting, one of our students, who had previously struggled with attendance and had been out of school for periods of time, told the superintendent how this year, although he was living on his own, he was able to come to school on a regular basis and maintain good grades as he had one thing to look forward to every day: going to the school weight-room to work out. In fact, numerous students using the facility are not participating on teams, but rather students that have previously lacked some engagement in school and have now found a common draw to be there on a daily basis.
Two weeks ago, after we attended a Board of Education meeting, we were asked by trustees to show more pictures of our fitness initiative so that people could see how the facility was being used. To me, the true impact of what we have done is found in the stories such as the one above.
Really, in the end, our students who demonstrate resiliency are the ones who will make it, regardless of their personal struggles. Our job is to continue to offer kids options and foster positive connections with people in the building, to provide opportunities to grow and develop and, ultimately, to graduate and become successful citizens. Hopefully, in spite of challenges at school, students can make mistakes and learn to make better choices as they absorb some of life's real lessons. After all, isn't the real definition of resiliency being able to get up after being knocked down?
If you want to witness a moving example of resiliency, watch the following clip:
Sunday, 27 November 2011
Wednesday, 9 November 2011
Home on the Range
One of the more difficult things to do when faced with declining enrollment is to continue to offer students a wide range of choices, particularly in the elective areas. This is an aspect that I feel our school has been successful with given our drop in numbers. Changes to our Strength and Conditioning program have allowed students to progress at their own pace during scheduled and unscheduled times, which has enabled us to continue to offer options that would not have been accessible otherwise.
With the movement of the library books to a smaller room, we were able to organize the existing space into a new fitness facility where kids have access all through the day. The library is now used more as a "Learning Commons" where students access courses through online delivery, complete paper-based coursework, and access books or use the site as a place to read/catch up on work during spare blocks.
Another success story would have to be our Outdoor Education class. Initially, we looked at offering the course on Fridays where kids could go on expeditions or participate in activities for the entire day. Unfortunately, due to restrictions on the workweek, we had to look at offering the class in the regular timetable Monday to Thursday. While this put constraints on the activities we could do, it still enabled us to do extended activities during our double-block over the lunch period. Our instructor, Mr. Deadmarsh has done a great job of organizing activities around this schedule. Students have the opportunity to do hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, kayaking, and obstacle courses. Additionally they are working on components of their CORE course which allows them to gain a hunting license upon completion.
Just yesterday, I went with the class to help supervise on the shooting range. Students were given the opportunity to shoot a variety of rifles in a controlled, safe setting. With twenty two students in the program, we had three instructors working with the kids to ensure proper gun etiquette, safety procedures, and firing protocol. The students were keen and, besides some cold temperatures, fun was had by all. A special thanks to Peter from the Wildlife Hall who came out to help and the Gun Club for access to the range.
Thanks goes out to Mrs. Grootjes and her drama and dance classes for organizing the Remembrance Day assembly. Take a moment tomorrow to stop and remember those who have served their country. I know I will. Have a good weekend.
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| Students studying in library |
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| New fitness room |
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| Students working out after school |
With the movement of the library books to a smaller room, we were able to organize the existing space into a new fitness facility where kids have access all through the day. The library is now used more as a "Learning Commons" where students access courses through online delivery, complete paper-based coursework, and access books or use the site as a place to read/catch up on work during spare blocks.
Another success story would have to be our Outdoor Education class. Initially, we looked at offering the course on Fridays where kids could go on expeditions or participate in activities for the entire day. Unfortunately, due to restrictions on the workweek, we had to look at offering the class in the regular timetable Monday to Thursday. While this put constraints on the activities we could do, it still enabled us to do extended activities during our double-block over the lunch period. Our instructor, Mr. Deadmarsh has done a great job of organizing activities around this schedule. Students have the opportunity to do hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, kayaking, and obstacle courses. Additionally they are working on components of their CORE course which allows them to gain a hunting license upon completion.
Just yesterday, I went with the class to help supervise on the shooting range. Students were given the opportunity to shoot a variety of rifles in a controlled, safe setting. With twenty two students in the program, we had three instructors working with the kids to ensure proper gun etiquette, safety procedures, and firing protocol. The students were keen and, besides some cold temperatures, fun was had by all. A special thanks to Peter from the Wildlife Hall who came out to help and the Gun Club for access to the range.
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| Taking aim on the firing range |
Wednesday, 2 November 2011
Teaching Financial Literacy in Schools?
I was reading an article this morning in the Globe and Mail titled "To teach financial literacy, get 'em while their young" and was thinking about how much sense that makes. Up until the past year or so with the introduction of Apprenticeship and Workplace Math, there has been limited attention paid to the value of teaching kids about money management. Basically, these skills have been left to chance, and unless kids are learning it at home, they are moving out into the work world with a limited understanding related to credit, investing, saving, mortgages, etc. Even with the inclusion of money matters within the AW Math curriculum, only a third of our students are getting exposure to the information.
Given the state of both our local, national and global economics, I believe it is essential that we equip students with a basic understanding of how to manage their own finances once they leave school. With understanding some basic principles around money management, young adults can quickly create a sound financial plan whereby they can sustain themselves through times of highs and lows, and understand the perils of accessibility to increasing levels of personal debt.
Just this fall, at GFSS, we introduced a fourth component to our Grad Transitions package that outlines some key ideas around finacial literacy.
In this section, students are expected to:
For those parents who wish to know more about how they can support their child's understanding related to managing their own finances, check out
http://www.moneyexchange.net/library/money-lessons-for-children
for some helpful links.
I have also included a link to the article mentioned above if you wish to read more about the move to increase financial awareness in schools.
http://m.theglobeandmail.com/life/parenting/education/learning/to-teach-financial-literacy-get-em-while-theyre-young/article1869269/?service=mobile#
Given the state of both our local, national and global economics, I believe it is essential that we equip students with a basic understanding of how to manage their own finances once they leave school. With understanding some basic principles around money management, young adults can quickly create a sound financial plan whereby they can sustain themselves through times of highs and lows, and understand the perils of accessibility to increasing levels of personal debt.
Just this fall, at GFSS, we introduced a fourth component to our Grad Transitions package that outlines some key ideas around finacial literacy.
In this section, students are expected to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of income to calculate gross and net pay
- Demonstrate an understanding of how to manage a personal budget including the purchase of large assets and managing credit
- Demonstrate an understanding of simple principles of money management
For those parents who wish to know more about how they can support their child's understanding related to managing their own finances, check out
http://www.moneyexchange.net/library/money-lessons-for-children
for some helpful links.
I have also included a link to the article mentioned above if you wish to read more about the move to increase financial awareness in schools.
http://m.theglobeandmail.com/life/parenting/education/learning/to-teach-financial-literacy-get-em-while-theyre-young/article1869269/?service=mobile#
Sunday, 30 October 2011
The New Education Plan
Well, on Friday, the government announced it's new plan for educational change. BC's Education Plan is "based on the principle that every learner in the province will realize his or her full potential" and consists of five key elements:
As I look through the plan, many aspects makes sense, but of course like any great idea, the proof is in the pudding. Personalized learning for every child is a great start but will definitely take some time as we work towards more completely defining the vision. Reducing curriculum outcomes should allow teachers more flexibility in how they engage students with opportunities for deeper learning. In many courses currently, the race for curriculum completion often leaves little time for exploring in more detail the questions and interests of students. I am excited about the move towards greater flexibility and choice, but there needs to be caution in ensuring all students, particularly those in rural areas, have access to similar opportunities as their urban peers.
The other area of the plan where we are already making progress is the move to empower learning through technology. With wireless access and increasing availability of personalized electronic devices, we need to ensure that technology is used to engage students and increase the variety of ways students can demonstrate their learning. We also need to keep in mind that technology does not replace good instruction but rather should be used to supplement learning and provide students access to collaborative opportunities with peers both locally and globally.
The other issue of concern around technology is related to access for all learners. This is an area where the school will hopefully be able to assist in order to ensure that students who lack the resources to obtain their own devices will be able to participate as well. Just as we have seen with the advent and influx of cell phones, we still have students that do not have one.
To read the entire plan, click on the following link http://www.bcedplan.ca/assets/pdf/bc_edu_plan.pdf
To watch the video, see below
We look forward to further discussions with students and parents as we move forward within the new educational model.
- Personalized learning for every student
- Quality teaching and learning
- Flexibility and choice
- High standards
- Learning empowered by technology
As I look through the plan, many aspects makes sense, but of course like any great idea, the proof is in the pudding. Personalized learning for every child is a great start but will definitely take some time as we work towards more completely defining the vision. Reducing curriculum outcomes should allow teachers more flexibility in how they engage students with opportunities for deeper learning. In many courses currently, the race for curriculum completion often leaves little time for exploring in more detail the questions and interests of students. I am excited about the move towards greater flexibility and choice, but there needs to be caution in ensuring all students, particularly those in rural areas, have access to similar opportunities as their urban peers.
The other area of the plan where we are already making progress is the move to empower learning through technology. With wireless access and increasing availability of personalized electronic devices, we need to ensure that technology is used to engage students and increase the variety of ways students can demonstrate their learning. We also need to keep in mind that technology does not replace good instruction but rather should be used to supplement learning and provide students access to collaborative opportunities with peers both locally and globally.
The other issue of concern around technology is related to access for all learners. This is an area where the school will hopefully be able to assist in order to ensure that students who lack the resources to obtain their own devices will be able to participate as well. Just as we have seen with the advent and influx of cell phones, we still have students that do not have one.
To read the entire plan, click on the following link http://www.bcedplan.ca/assets/pdf/bc_edu_plan.pdf
To watch the video, see below
We look forward to further discussions with students and parents as we move forward within the new educational model.
Wednesday, 26 October 2011
Opportunity for Student Feedback
A few years ago when the Provincial Guidelines for Healthy Eating came into schools, the GFSS lunch program lost its vendor as they were no longer able to sustain their business at the school. While the school has an active breakfast program and a snack machine, the service at lunch has never really been replaced.
Lately we have been looking at trying to reinstate a healthy choices lunch program where students could purchase fresh made items along the lines of pizza, wraps, lasagna, etc. What we are looking for is some feedback from students on what kind of items they might prefer. I have added a poll link to this blog update that should allow students to text their choices based on the information below. If you have a moment, please try this system so we can determine what students may want, as well as whether or not this type of survey is an easy, accessible way to get information on issues as they arise.
Lately we have been looking at trying to reinstate a healthy choices lunch program where students could purchase fresh made items along the lines of pizza, wraps, lasagna, etc. What we are looking for is some feedback from students on what kind of items they might prefer. I have added a poll link to this blog update that should allow students to text their choices based on the information below. If you have a moment, please try this system so we can determine what students may want, as well as whether or not this type of survey is an easy, accessible way to get information on issues as they arise.
Replace audience response hardware with Poll Everywhere
Mentoring For Learning
Over the past couple weeks, one of our new teachers, Mrs. Rymer, has been working with Mr. McKinlay's grade 6/7 class from Perley. The elementary students came over to observe some real life physics as the senior physics class was demonstrating catapult devices they had built. The goal of the assignment was to design a mechanical, self powered device that could launch a projectile (tomatoes in this case) a great distance but also be able to attain accuracy in hitting a specific target.
Today, the 6/7's came to GFSS and participated with a science 10 class in a chemical reactions lab working alongside a partner from the older class in a learning partnership. While I didn't get into see the action, the reports were very positive.....kudos to Mrs. Rymer and Mr. McKinlay.
It is great to see these positive opportunities for both the elementary and GFSS students. The research is clear that one of the more powerful strategies for helping students learn is a mentoring relationship where an older student is paired with a younger student. Younger students in these partnerships benefit from increased confidence and connectedness with an older peer. Older students also benefit from the confidence they receive from helping a younger student as well as the learning that takes place in order to be able to teach a skill to someone else. In addition, sometimes these activities are just plain fun.
I'm looking forward to more opportunities to watch these type of positive interactions!
Today, the 6/7's came to GFSS and participated with a science 10 class in a chemical reactions lab working alongside a partner from the older class in a learning partnership. While I didn't get into see the action, the reports were very positive.....kudos to Mrs. Rymer and Mr. McKinlay.
It is great to see these positive opportunities for both the elementary and GFSS students. The research is clear that one of the more powerful strategies for helping students learn is a mentoring relationship where an older student is paired with a younger student. Younger students in these partnerships benefit from increased confidence and connectedness with an older peer. Older students also benefit from the confidence they receive from helping a younger student as well as the learning that takes place in order to be able to teach a skill to someone else. In addition, sometimes these activities are just plain fun.
I'm looking forward to more opportunities to watch these type of positive interactions!
Sunday, 23 October 2011
Following Your Dreams
Each year we say goodbye to a great group of grads and herald in the next crop of grade 8's. One of the things we emphasize with our incoming students is to get involved in school activities, whether it be music, drama, sports or other school groups. The research is clear that student achievement is positively affected by participation in school activities. This is due to the connections students make with their peers, teachers, coaches, and sponsors, as well as the collaborative skills they develop through the team work it takes to accomplish a goal as a unit.
One of the highlights for us is often the visits or communication we receive from past students who are out in the real world pursuing their passions. Not only do we have past students excelling in a variety of careers but we have some students that have gone on to pursue sport at a more elite level. Just recently, we have received feedback from a few of our recent grads who are now in different corners of the country each pursuing their own athletic dream.
Tanner Kopan, who graduated last year (June 2011), is now attending Westminster College in Utah taking Business Management and playing varsity golf, currently ranked #2 on the team with an average scoring round of 75.
(Photos taken by Zach Edwards)
Ashley played volleyball at GFSS from grade 8-12 and also honed her skills while playing for Kelowna's Elite club, Team BC, and the U16 Team Canada Prospects. Ashley is working towards her science degree which takes a lot of commitment balancing both her academic and athletic endeavors.
A third former grad who we recently heard from is 2011 grad Maya Wold. After playing basketball for the Wolves from grade 8-12, Maya is currently a member of the Dalhousie Women's Tigers basketball team as a red-shirt freshman. Maya is in her first year of sciences at Dal and spending many hours a week going to class and attending practices. Maya is finding university athletics a jump up in intensity but is loving every minute of it. Maya is learning a lot and hopes to make the full playing squad next year as a sophomore.
As you can see, even a small town like Grand Forks can produce it's fair share of elite athletes which is a testament not only to their coaches, but their parents who made countless sacrifices to give their children the opportunities to develop their passions and skills.
Hats off to all those who had a part in making these dreams comes true.....Go Wolves Go!
One of the highlights for us is often the visits or communication we receive from past students who are out in the real world pursuing their passions. Not only do we have past students excelling in a variety of careers but we have some students that have gone on to pursue sport at a more elite level. Just recently, we have received feedback from a few of our recent grads who are now in different corners of the country each pursuing their own athletic dream.
Tanner Kopan, who graduated last year (June 2011), is now attending Westminster College in Utah taking Business Management and playing varsity golf, currently ranked #2 on the team with an average scoring round of 75.
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| Tanner teeing off on the US College circuit |
Tanner felt well prepared heading off to school and is doing well in his classes. Tanner recognized the support he received from both GFSS and the Christina Lake Golf Club in helping him achieve his goal. His advice for GFSS graduating students is to pursue schooling and experience the world outside of Grand Forks.
2010 grad Ashley Christman is also living her dream. Ashley, a sophomore, was awarded a full scholarship playing volleyball for the University of Idaho Vandals in NCAA Division 1, with the team currently ranked 3rd in the Western Athletic Conference.
Ashley played volleyball at GFSS from grade 8-12 and also honed her skills while playing for Kelowna's Elite club, Team BC, and the U16 Team Canada Prospects. Ashley is working towards her science degree which takes a lot of commitment balancing both her academic and athletic endeavors.
A third former grad who we recently heard from is 2011 grad Maya Wold. After playing basketball for the Wolves from grade 8-12, Maya is currently a member of the Dalhousie Women's Tigers basketball team as a red-shirt freshman. Maya is in her first year of sciences at Dal and spending many hours a week going to class and attending practices. Maya is finding university athletics a jump up in intensity but is loving every minute of it. Maya is learning a lot and hopes to make the full playing squad next year as a sophomore.
As you can see, even a small town like Grand Forks can produce it's fair share of elite athletes which is a testament not only to their coaches, but their parents who made countless sacrifices to give their children the opportunities to develop their passions and skills.
Hats off to all those who had a part in making these dreams comes true.....Go Wolves Go!
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