When you are working in the classroom, it is really hard to know if you are doing a good job. Do higher or lower test scores reflect how well or poorly I am teaching, or are they more indicative of the student's sugar intake that week, or how things are going at home? When the kids have a rowdy day and I have to raise my voice to be heard over them, do they understand I am only trying to be heard, or do they think I am shouting at them? And, most importantly, do they understand that when I redirect their behavior, it is only the behavior that is bad, and not them?
Obviously, much of the success or failure of our work is a balancing act, and it is really hard to know just when the balance is quite right.
My reading groups, for example, seem to be walking the line between fun and work pretty well. My math group may be a little on the chatty side, but they also continue to successfully get through work and participate well. But how do I know I am really doing a good job?
This month, I was having a funky day, where everything seemed to be slipping my mind. At one point, I just started laughing and told my teacher that is wasn't my day today. As I shook my head at my own confusion, one of the kids reached out and grabbed my wrist. He looked up and said, "Miss Jill, you are doing a great job today."
Feedback from our director and supervisors, our teachers, and our teammates are good, but feedback from the kids is the best kind.
So, thanks kids.
- Jill
11/27/12
Excitement at the Landfill
"Who would have known that the landfill would have been this fun," one of the six grade students stated as we headed back to Highlander Charter School. The six grade class went on a science field trip to the Central Landfill in Johnston, RI. In science class the students are learning about the Eco System, Waste Management, and Environmental Degradation.
Students had the pleasure of viewing the assembly line for sorting and packing recyclables. While on the tour of recycling center students was astonished to learn that the United States number one export to China is paper and scrap metal. Students then was able to observe where materials such as tires, refrigerators, microwaves, scrap metal, oils, antifreeze, and other hazardous waste are contained.
Three hundred and sixty feet high the landfill stood. Headed to the top of the landfill students were excited to see that cows roaming around, they saw methane from the waste water being burned off from the pipes, as well as getting a first view of the layering it takes to contain the waste of the landfill. At the very top of the landfill was one of the most precious sights of Providence. We saw the city of Providence, the Newport Bridge Southern Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut; the sight was truly breath taking.
"What a way to end the field trip" one of the six grade students stated as the tour bus turned around and we headed down the landfill and to the recycling center.mone of the most important things we all learned at this field trip is that the life expectancy of the landfill is between 20-25 years. It may seem like a long time but it isn't so we need to continue to recycle to sustain a longer expectancy time.
RECYCLE..... REUSE..... RENEW..... REDUCE....
.
- Brandford
Students had the pleasure of viewing the assembly line for sorting and packing recyclables. While on the tour of recycling center students was astonished to learn that the United States number one export to China is paper and scrap metal. Students then was able to observe where materials such as tires, refrigerators, microwaves, scrap metal, oils, antifreeze, and other hazardous waste are contained.
Three hundred and sixty feet high the landfill stood. Headed to the top of the landfill students were excited to see that cows roaming around, they saw methane from the waste water being burned off from the pipes, as well as getting a first view of the layering it takes to contain the waste of the landfill. At the very top of the landfill was one of the most precious sights of Providence. We saw the city of Providence, the Newport Bridge Southern Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut; the sight was truly breath taking.
"What a way to end the field trip" one of the six grade students stated as the tour bus turned around and we headed down the landfill and to the recycling center.mone of the most important things we all learned at this field trip is that the life expectancy of the landfill is between 20-25 years. It may seem like a long time but it isn't so we need to continue to recycle to sustain a longer expectancy time.
RECYCLE..... REUSE..... RENEW..... REDUCE....
.
- Brandford
11/10/12
You're A Grand Old Flag
This week at ICS we decided to devote our craft time to celebrate the flag of the United States! Tuesday was Election Day, and so it was a fitting task for a very patriotic week. (Perhaps some of us might view this activity as a celebration of the end of bombarding political ads for the next four years or so… good riddance!). Regardless, the kids were proud to make their stars and stripes, and to think about what it all means.
A kindergartner begins by drawing his stars and stripes.
Ms. Lu, the K-3 Portuguese after school teacher taught the students that once a flag is created, it should never touch the ground as a sign of respect to one’s country. We looked at the classroom flag, and it made me think of how little attention I pay to the U.S. flags around me every day. And truly, they are everywhere, especially in a school! It definitely made me mindful of our freedom, and how lucky we are to live in a place grounded upon liberty and equal rights. I believe that’s something we don’t think about too often.
A 3rd grader embellishes her flag with colorful sequins.
Before making the flags the students had a short discussion about their nationalities, and to my surprise, these very young kids knew exactly where their families were from. It’s nice to see that they have a strong sense of identity like that, and that at ICS their diversity and culture is so widely celebrated. If anything exemplifies the freedom given to people in the U.S. for community development and the blending of cultures, it is a certainly a school like International.
Voilà! Get ready for a lot of flag waving, people.
--Leah
10/23/12
Raising the Bar
The students at Segue Institute for Learning are your typical adolescents in grades six through eight. They are full of potential and incredible energy, along with drama and angst at times. They often rapidly cycle through a whirlwind of emotions ranging from enthusiasm, silliness, love and hate for their friends and other classmates and teachers, frustration, and triumph. Anyone who has ever worked in a middle school setting knows well the rewards and challenges of teaching this particular age group.
As someone who has experienced these challenges in other schools and environments, I look around Segue and am impressed to see that teachers who are wholly dedicated to moving students forward and upward in spite of the scholars' occasional best efforts to resist change. One of the keys to the faculty's success is the fact that they consistently hold the students to the very highest of standards regarding their behavior and academic achievement. A failing grade is always a chance to "do over." Many opportunities for additional academic support exist. All of the teachers and staff work tirelessly and collaboratively to apply consistent expectations, using both encouragement and praise, and clear-cut consequences that ensure every student is held accountable for each decision they make.
I consider it a blessing and an honor to be a part of this community. Segue is a place where all students are accepted, respected for their individuality, and encouraged to do their very best. Each day begins anew, another blank page flipped over, as Mr. Garcia reminds students in the end-of-the-day announcements to "go home and come back better tomorrow!"
By: Jill Marie
As someone who has experienced these challenges in other schools and environments, I look around Segue and am impressed to see that teachers who are wholly dedicated to moving students forward and upward in spite of the scholars' occasional best efforts to resist change. One of the keys to the faculty's success is the fact that they consistently hold the students to the very highest of standards regarding their behavior and academic achievement. A failing grade is always a chance to "do over." Many opportunities for additional academic support exist. All of the teachers and staff work tirelessly and collaboratively to apply consistent expectations, using both encouragement and praise, and clear-cut consequences that ensure every student is held accountable for each decision they make.
I consider it a blessing and an honor to be a part of this community. Segue is a place where all students are accepted, respected for their individuality, and encouraged to do their very best. Each day begins anew, another blank page flipped over, as Mr. Garcia reminds students in the end-of-the-day announcements to "go home and come back better tomorrow!"
By: Jill Marie
Use the Force :o)
Use the Force is a new addition to After School at
Highlander Charter School. This class brings together about 12 Star Wars
fans in 2nd-4th grade to participate in creative, themed activities while learning about how to fight the dark side.
Our class began in September with a ceremony where all of the students took the Padawan Oath to fight the dark side and be kind. Upon completion of their oath, they tied their Padawan belts. We spent the next few classes talking about how to identify the Dark Side (bullying, unkind words, disrespect, etc.) and what we can do to help. We also spread kindness and love by writing thank you notes to teachers and parents, and taping posters with positive messages in the upstairs hallway.
This month, we have made light sabers, painted pictures, learned how to draw Yoda, and built star ships with Legos. We have also created Star Wars identities, complete with unique names, pets, and planets.
Next week, look forward to droids using recycled materials. Pictures to follow.
By: Jill W.
Our class began in September with a ceremony where all of the students took the Padawan Oath to fight the dark side and be kind. Upon completion of their oath, they tied their Padawan belts. We spent the next few classes talking about how to identify the Dark Side (bullying, unkind words, disrespect, etc.) and what we can do to help. We also spread kindness and love by writing thank you notes to teachers and parents, and taping posters with positive messages in the upstairs hallway.
This month, we have made light sabers, painted pictures, learned how to draw Yoda, and built star ships with Legos. We have also created Star Wars identities, complete with unique names, pets, and planets.
Next week, look forward to droids using recycled materials. Pictures to follow.
By: Jill W.
First Quarter After-School Programs at Segue
This quarter at Segue Institute for Learning, I have been helping out in Dance Class on Tuesdays
and Thursdays. Students have been rehearsing their Bollywood and Jazz
pieces. They have been learning a variety of dance moves. All of the
students have been excited about performing their dances. The group has
also been very enthusiastic about dancing. Overall, students have fun.
They have worked very hard, learning their pieces in less than two weeks.
On Mondays and Wednesdays, I have been helping out in Homework Club. Students have been eager to do all of thier homework before leaving school for the day. At times students do not have homework and they end up doing some independent reading. Overall, I am having a great time assisting students in both programs.
By: Yairy
On Mondays and Wednesdays, I have been helping out in Homework Club. Students have been eager to do all of thier homework before leaving school for the day. At times students do not have homework and they end up doing some independent reading. Overall, I am having a great time assisting students in both programs.
By: Yairy
Beats and Rhymes and Games Galore
The first session of after-school at Highlander Charter School has been
really great so far. The students really enjoy the different
program options, as well as being able to learn from new staff members.
The middle school students, especially, are having fun in new classes and
teaching other kids what they have learned. In my Beats and Rhymes
class I taught the students how to beat-box and I've watched them
teach younger students or their peers.
Wednesday afternoons are always game days, in my program, Games Galore. This class gives the students a chance to just simply relax and play games with their friends. We have a relaxed feel with background music and friendly competition. Some favorite games of the class included; SWAP, UNO, Pictureka, and a new and exciting game called Would You Rather?
Wednesday afternoons are always game days, in my program, Games Galore. This class gives the students a chance to just simply relax and play games with their friends. We have a relaxed feel with background music and friendly competition. Some favorite games of the class included; SWAP, UNO, Pictureka, and a new and exciting game called Would You Rather?
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