Forest Green School

Communication in our time has changed tremendously and we are seeing many students are using different mediums to communicate. For example, many use images to create a stronger message:

cc licensed flickr photo shared by Colette Cassinelli

With the use of imagination, creativity, and some tools, students have the opportunity to share their voice in many meaningful ways. I challenge our students to try and share a message using a visual similar to the one above. I would be interested in seeing some of the messages you could share.

Try creating a message on some of the following:

• What do you love about school.
• What are you passionate about.
• Why is family so important.
• What you would like to do when you grow up.
• Anything!

I would love to see some of your powerful images.

I came across this video awhile ago that discusses what makes up human intelligence and how it ties to school.  This is definitely beneficial to parents and teachers as they work with children.  Please take a few minutes to watch this video and share your thoughts:

“The world has changed, and it will never move backward. In order for the next generation to be successful, they will need to think differently, and that begins by knowing what their strengths are. The concept of strengths development is the unifying element that flows through all efforts at school reform. It makes sense in every arena that is focused on raising healthy, productive, and happy children.” Your Child’s Strengths by Jenifer Fox M.Ed.

I was a star student for most of my elementary school. I breezed through my classes and loved most subjects, with the exception of science. I loved school and it was imperative that I was liked by my teachers.

As I went into grade 7 and 8, things started to change. Although I knew I was “smart”, my friends became much more important than any teacher. Grades started to slip, and my attitude towards school dipped with it. I know that I was one of the worst behaved students from grade 8-10, and if I could go back, I would apologize to all the teachers for my utter awfulness. It wasn’t that I was bad for all teachers; the ones that I connected with I was a saint. But if I did not feel that connection, I was a totally different person.

Then something happened in grade 10; I had a new chemistry teacher (where I struggled most) who had a different outtake on learning. Now in most universities, you need science up until grade 12, and I knew I would struggle to get this. Although I never was good at science (nor am I now), this teacher saw things in me that many did not. He knew that I was very social, and he understood that this was something that could be hugely beneficial. We had great conversations about what I was going to do with my future, and he stuck with me even though I struggled in his own class.

“Children need to know that adults believe in them even if their actions are not always strong.” Jennifer Fox

I never received higher than a 60% in any high school science course (although I did get 100% on my “name the parts of a microscope” test!), but seeing my teacher in Chemistry was always my favourite course. He believed me and he conveyed that every day. Was I much better after meeting him in high school? Yes. Was I an angel? No. I did however significantly improve my attitude in school. Playing basketball, connecting with people, were things that I loved, and someone was encouraging me to build upon these strengths.

There are so many individual teacher stories that we hear like this; about the one teacher that really changed everything for someone. What we need to do as educational leaders (note I did not say administrators as we all need to do this), is create a system where this is the norm for our kids. Where our teachers have the opportunity to work and create an environment where students are able to pursue their passions (read the work of Angela Maiers if you need some fantastic ideas and inspiration). Using this strength based leadership is something that is definitely helpful in our work environment.

“We must really start believing in the inherent worth of each child if we are to have any hope for their healthy future. If we could do this, school could become a journey, an exploration, rather than an evaluation that lasts eighteen years. Think about it—sixteen years of someone telling you what is right and what is wrong about you. And throughout, you’ve never had an ounce of input into the discussion. Imagine if this were happening to you in your workplace; imagine if you never set any of the goals or expectations, and you never had the opportunity to disagree. We could never fathom success in such a repressive environment for ourselves, so why do we think it is healthy for our children?”

We need to create more opportunities for our students where we not only find their passion, but they have the chance to really display. Things like Identity Day and giving students the opportunity to explore their own learning are going to be hugely beneficial to our school environments. Do you notice that we spend less time on classroom management when students are highly engaged in what they are learning?

This is not to say that we get rid of things like literacy and numeracy in school, but we need to also ensure we DON’T get rid of things like art and sports. We just need to ensure that time is created or given for students to pursue their passions and build upon their strengths. Our schools, and our future will be much better off.

Every day more people realize that focusing on strengths is the answer to creating a life that is truly worth living. We all stake our futures, our health, our livelihoods on the promise of the accomplishments and decisions of the next generation. They will need to develop their strengths to care for us as much as they will need them to care for themselves. Children cannot do this alone. They need adults—parents and teachers, especially—to guide, teach, and serve as their role models. Strengths are for everyone, and the sooner people realize we must overturn the deficit model, the better off we’ll be. Jennifer Fox

_____________________________________________________________

Here is a great resources on this topic:

Title quote by Doug Floyd

“The world has changed, and it will never move backward. In order for the next generation to be successful, they will need to think differently, and that begins by knowing what their strengths are. The concept of strengths development is the unifying element that flows through all efforts at school reform. It makes sense in every arena that is focused on raising healthy, productive, and happy children.” Your Child’s Strengths by Jenifer Fox M.Ed.

I was a star student for most of my elementary school. I breezed through my classes and loved most subjects, with the exception of science. I loved school and it was imperative that I was liked by my teachers.

As I went into grade 7 and 8, things started to change. Although I knew I was “smart”, my friends became much more important than any teacher. Grades started to slip, and my attitude towards school dipped with it. I know that I was one of the worst behaved students from grade 8-10, and if I could go back, I would apologize to all the teachers for my utter awfulness. It wasn’t that I was bad for all teachers; the ones that I connected with I was a saint. But if I did not feel that connection, I was a totally different person.

Then something happened in grade 10; I had a new chemistry teacher (where I struggled most) who had a different outtake on learning. Now in most universities, you need science up until grade 12, and I knew I would struggle to get this. Although I never was good at science (nor am I now), this teacher saw things in me that many did not. He knew that I was very social, and he understood that this was something that could be hugely beneficial. We had great conversations about what I was going to do with my future, and he stuck with me even though I struggled in his own class.

“Children need to know that adults believe in them even if their actions are not always strong.” Jennifer Fox

I never received higher than a 60% in any high school science course (although I did get 100% on my “name the parts of a microscope” test!), but seeing my teacher in Chemistry was always my favourite course. He believed me and he conveyed that every day. Was I much better after meeting him in high school? Yes. Was I an angel? No. I did however significantly improve my attitude in school. Playing basketball, connecting with people, were things that I loved, and someone was encouraging me to build upon these strengths.

There are so many individual teacher stories that we hear like this; about the one teacher that really changed everything for someone. What we need to do as educational leaders (note I did not say administrators as we all need to do this), is create a system where this is the norm for our kids. Where our teachers have the opportunity to work and create an environment where students are able to pursue their passions (read the work of Angela Maiers if you need some fantastic ideas and inspiration). Using this strength based leadership is something that is definitely helpful in our work environment.

“We must really start believing in the inherent worth of each child if we are to have any hope for their healthy future. If we could do this, school could become a journey, an exploration, rather than an evaluation that lasts eighteen years. Think about it—sixteen years of someone telling you what is right and what is wrong about you. And throughout, you’ve never had an ounce of input into the discussion. Imagine if this were happening to you in your workplace; imagine if you never set any of the goals or expectations, and you never had the opportunity to disagree. We could never fathom success in such a repressive environment for ourselves, so why do we think it is healthy for our children?”

We need to create more opportunities for our students where we not only find their passion, but they have the chance to really display. Things like Identity Day and giving students the opportunity to explore their own learning are going to be hugely beneficial to our school environments. Do you notice that we spend less time on classroom management when students are highly engaged in what they are learning?

This is not to say that we get rid of things like literacy and numeracy in school, but we need to also ensure we DON’T get rid of things like art and sports. We just need to ensure that time is created or given for students to pursue their passions and build upon their strengths. Our schools, and our future will be much better off.

Every day more people realize that focusing on strengths is the answer to creating a life that is truly worth living. We all stake our futures, our health, our livelihoods on the promise of the accomplishments and decisions of the next generation. They will need to develop their strengths to care for us as much as they will need them to care for themselves. Children cannot do this alone. They need adults—parents and teachers, especially—to guide, teach, and serve as their role models. Strengths are for everyone, and the sooner people realize we must overturn the deficit model, the better off we’ll be. Jennifer Fox

_____________________________________________________________

Here is a great resources on this topic:

Title quote by Doug Floyd

I just wanted to share this great article about a school in Edmonton that is doing a daily news cast similar to the one that we have started at Forest Green.  It is very interesting that they discuss leadership qualities based on Stephen Covey’s “Leader in Me” program which several of our staff explored last year.

Principal Pat Davidson says a quote that strongly mirrors our own school beliefs:

“When you provide students with the opportunity to lead, and then put the supports in place to help them develop the skills to lead effectively, it is absolutely amazing how they rise to the occasion,” she says.

“I am in awe every day by the abilities and the leadership demonstrated by the students here at Minchau.”

It is very cool to see students leading in schools all around the world, including Forest Green!  They can do so much if given the opportunity.

For the rest of the article, click below:

Elementary Students Produce News Show

Our superintendent, Mr. Tim Monds, is writing a regular message to Parkland School Division stakeholders, and it is great to see how our vision for learning through the use of technology is so aligned.

Here is part of his message:

…the use of technology is never really about the technology itself – it is always about the learning! Every school in Parkland is equipped with projection devices that provide timely, point-of-instruction access to the internet and online learning resources. Resources like Skype allow students who are doing research to connect with “real” people from around the globe. We see students who are blogging with peers, teachers, parents, grandparents and contacts from other countries. Groups of teachers and students are figuring out how ipods can be used effectively in many subject areas. Electronic portfolios are being developed by some of our youngest students as they take an active role in the assessment of their own learning. Adaptive technologies continue to have a powerful impact on expanding learning opportunities for some of our students with special needs.

Mr. Monds goes on to discuss the tie in between technology and citizenship, and this is something that we truly believe must coexist.  It is our role to teach students to use this technology both effectively and ethically. If we are to work with our students now, as educators we must shift to the role of learner.

For the rest of his message, please check out the Parkland site.

(This information is also available on our January 2011 Newsletter coming out on Friday.)

Report Cards: You noticed some changes with our November report cards, and the March report card will be similar:
1) the terms “Strengths” (not to be confused with excellence, but is an area where your child is progressing well), and “Goals” (an area in which your child needs more time, practice, and progress)
2) shorter paragraph comments for more clarity
3) no “grades” for Art, Music, French and Health
4) we hope to improve the “readability” with font, spacing, and more everyday vocabulary

Blogs: You have probably seen our classroom blogs, where our teachers and students post many exciting projects and information about everyday class events and learning.  If you haven’t had a chance yet, check out  www.forestgreenschool.ca and scroll down to find your child’s classroom.  These blogs are gradually replacing classroom newsletters, so let your child’s teacher know if you still need a paper copy.

E-portfolios: Our students are just getting going on their very own “blogfolios” (Grades 3-6) and digital collection, not web-based (Grades K-2).  Staff are busy having students store some of their learning on their portfolios.  This work can have two purposes:  to showcase learning (a finished product), or to show growth over time (first draft products).  We are excited about sharing this project with you in the coming months, and this is meant to be an on-going portfolio that will carry your child into their future grades.

Student-Led Conferences in March: Our hope with all these changes is to have students take more ownership of their own learning, especially as they mature.  By looking at their own strengths and by setting goals, research shows that children become even more engaged in their school lives.  A student-led conference is exactly as it states: the child leads the conversation with parents and teachers at the table.  Our staff will work diligently to help your child prepare for the interview, and the teacher will also have information to share.  You will still book a 15 minute interview slot and will still meet in your child’s classroom.  Watch for more information in February.

Student learning and assessment should go hand in hand.  One rarely exists without the other.  Learners are assessing their own skills every step of the way.  Teachers can provide the instruction, guidance, and standards needed, but it is often the self-reflection that pushes a learner to move forward.  Assessment should not be something “done” to a child, but be something done “with” a child.  At Forest Green/CFL, it is around this concept that we are planning our learning and assessment.

With Christmas having come and gone, I had the opportunity to read a lot of books.  Reading is a fantastic way to learn about new things or to just let your imagination go!

One of my favourite books I have ever read is called “Marley and Me“.  It is a book that has a lot of meaning to me since it is about a lovable Golden Lab who was similar to the dog I used to have named Kobe.  The dog tends to get into a lot of trouble, but is always loved by his owners.  They actually made a movie about this book in the last few years and many people who are dog lovers really enjoyed it.  Although the movie was good, the book was fantastic and is one of my favourite reads.

I would like to ask you what your favourite book is?  Why is it your favourite book?  Is there any way that you can relate it to your own life?

It would be great if you could share your thoughts!

Mr. Couros

With Christmas having come and gone, I had the opportunity to read a lot of books.  Reading is a fantastic way to learn about new things or to just let your imagination go!

One of my favourite books I have ever read is called “Marley and Me“.  It is a book that has a lot of meaning to me since it is about a lovable Golden Lab who was similar to the dog I used to have named Kobe.  The dog tends to get into a lot of trouble, but is always loved by his owners.  They actually made a movie about this book in the last few years and many people who are dog lovers really enjoyed it.  Although the movie was good, the book was fantastic and is one of my favourite reads.

I would like to ask you what your favourite book is?  Why is it your favourite book?  Is there any way that you can relate it to your own life?

It would be great if you could share your thoughts!

Mr. Couros