Principal's Blog

Feb 14

Spend More Time Reading

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Students and teachers across the entire state of Texas are preparing for the STAAR test, which will take the place of the TAKS test.  The STAAR test is designed to test career and college readiness skills.  Each grade level has specifically identified skills that are to be mastered, and skills that are to be developed until mastery is obtained in a later grade level.  When your child reaches high school, they will be expected to take and pass end of course exams in English / Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies in order to earn a high school diploma.  High school seems a long way off, but we are working diligently every day to ensure that your child will be ready for any career or college they wish to pursue.

The STAAR test is designed to be more rigorous than TAKS.

The STAAR test will be more difficult than TAKS.  The most difficult portions of our curriculum will make up most of the test.  Test questions will be written at a consistently higher level.  The test will be longer, and students will have only four hours to complete their test. 

Your student’s ability to read will be more important than ever.  The third grade reading test will have a total of 2700 words; the fourth grade test will have 3100 words; the fifth grade test will have 3300 words.  This blog post has a total of 558 words, so you can see that your children have their work cut out for them.  In addition, the math, science, and writing test require a high level of reading in order to be successful.

I have spent the last week talking to teachers about their students’ progress toward the goals of the STAAR test. When talking to the reading teachers, I heard the same thing.  They are all worried about the stamina that will be required for this test.  Students need to be able to read accurately for an extended period of time.

We need your help!

Reading with your child can be a rewarding experience.

There is not enough time in the school day to provide the amount of reading practice your child needs in order to be successful.  For Kindergarten and T-1 age students, you should read to your child from 10 to 15 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week.  First and second grade students should be reading aloud to you for 15 to 20 minutes a day, at least 5 times a week.  If you have a 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade student who is struggling with their reading, they should read aloud to you between 20 and 30 minutes a night.  Taking turns reading a page to each other can help the student who is reluctant.  Having your child read aloud ensures they are reading words correctly, and provides the opportunity to ask questions that check for understanding.

 

 

Here are some easy questions to ask:

Ask your child if they can tell you the meaning of a word that you suspect they do not know.

Ask your child to retell the events of a story in their own words.  Make sure they include the most important parts of the story.

Why do you think (character in the story) did (a certain action)? 

What happened after ________?

What do you think is going to happen next?  Why?

What lesson did the character learn in this story?

What did you like most about this story?

Nov 15

Respectful Persistence

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We had our Nimitz Open House last week, and I was very pleased with the results.  Each homeroom class saw from 8 to 12 of their student’s families visit the classroom.  Parents had the opportunity to see samples of student work and projects, touch base with the teacher, and even get clarification about assignments and teaching methods.  I looked into one math classroom and saw the teacher actually demonstrating a lesson to a small group of parents.

Earlier in the evening, we offered parent information sessions.  Approximately 150 moms and dads participated in the sessions which featured members of our own KISD staff as well as speakers that were invited from outside community organizations.  These presenters provided the opportunity to hear and discuss information that can help parents to be more effective, and be aware of resources in our community that can provide care, entertainment, and direction to us as we raise our children.

I had the pleasure of hosting a session, too. Mine was an open conversation that allowed parents to discuss what was on their mind in regard to being a parent.  We discussed things like expecting the most from your kids, test anxiety, and friendship, but the issue that was discussed the longest had to do with communication between parents and teachers.  Some of the parents in attendance felt like responses to their e-mails and/or voicemails to teachers are not always answered in a timely manner. 

There are a couple of reasons why this might happen.  Most of the teachers’ work day is spent instructing the children.  When they are not with the students they are in meetings . . . a lot of meetings.  They are involved in meetings with teachers from other campuses who teach the same subject and grade level.  They are in faculty meetings at this campus.  They meet in grade level teams for lesson planning.  Each Monday, they meet with campus administrators to develop plans to assist struggling students.  There are also meetings with parents that take place.

The second reason you may not get a quick response comes from the fact that teachers have a large number of administrative tasks to complete.  There are papers to grade, instructional materials to prepare, and grades to enter.  And they do answer phone calls and e-mails.

My advice to the parents I met with on Monday night was to be persistent.  If you have an important concern, and you do not get a timely response, stay with it.  Although everything written above may be interpreted as “don’t bother the teachers,” I would rather you understand that being respectfully persistent may be necessary to get the response you need.

If there is ever any information you need to share or a question that needs an immediate answer, please don’t hesitate to call me. I can help.

Sep 14

Undaunted by the Challenge

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We have been back to school for almost four weeks.  In my nine years of working at Nimitz, I have not had a more smooth start to the school year.  The faculty and staff came back with energy and excitement, and our students and families have returned with a commitment to being on time, trying their best, and following rules and procedures.

We needed a smooth start without distractions, because we have a change on the horizon that will require us all to be the best we can be.  We are implementing a new state mandated test, the STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness).  Like TAKS, STAAR will test grades 3-5 Reading and Math, Grade 4 Writing, and Grade 5 Science at the elementary level.  Schools will still receive an accountability rating from the state based on student performance.

The specific changes to the test are a bit of a mystery at this time, but we will be receiving more information as we proceed through the school year.  Here is what we know.  The test will be timed.  Students will have four hours to complete each test.  The writing test will be given over a 2 day period, and will require students to write two separate samples.  All tests are more rigorous than TAKS due to the level of thinking the questions will require.

There is a great deal of speculation and trepidation about the test regarding how it will look, the types of questions that will be asked, and how hard it will really be.  My response is that it does not matter, because we will be ready!  The Nimitz faculty and staff is a highly professional group of educators who work tirelessly to educate our children.  Time has been, and will be spent studying every bit of information that we receive about the test.  Classroom instruction will be delivered at high levels, and we will provide the extra attention all students need to ensure their personal success.

Nimitz has been a State Recognized or Exemplary rated school (exemplary the last 4 out of 5 years) as long as ratings have been assigned by the state.  We have been recognized multiple times by organizations such as the Texas Business Education Coalition, the Texas Education Agency, and the Texas Computer Education Association for our excellence. Winning is a habit here at Nimitz, and I see no reason to stop now!

 

 

May 02

Enrichment Before and After

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This is a continuation of the blog post dated 3-1-11. . . 

Honor Choir, Art Club and Dynamic Dolphins give another opportunity for students to extend learning beyond the regular school day.  These programs are offered voluntarily by our specials department, and are a source of pride for the school.

DSC06017Early in the morning, our Honor Choir members convene on a weekly basis to pursue their love of music.  The goal of Honor Choir is to promote a love for singing, begin working on proper singing technique, and to have an opportunity to perform for live audiences.  During this school year, the Nimitz Honor Choir has prepared two concerts that were performed in front of the school and to their families and friends at evening concerts.  Pieces from their Christmas Concert were performed at Hill Country State Bank, the VA Hospital, and local nursing homes.  They also performed the National Anthem at a San Antonio Rampage hockey game at the AT@T Center.

Mrs. O’Brien, the director of the choir hopes that student’s love of singing is increased, along with an attitude of working hard to have fun.  It also gives the students a taste of the discipline that will be expected of them if they decide to join middle school or high school music groups.

DSC05985The Nimitz Art Club is an organization created to extend art opportunities for students who have demonstrated an interest and aptitude for art.  Students are encouraged to make creative decisions and to create unique and individual artwork.

Mrs. Reed’s goals for club members are for them to grow as artists, be successful with their attempts, and to create art that they may not have time to do in the regular classroom.  Students benefit by further developing their individuality, creativity, and confidence in themselves and their art.  Mrs. Reed feels that finding success in one area helps students achieve success in other academic areas.

Art club pieces were displayed this year at the Kerr Arts and Cultural Center Hill Country Youth Art Exhibit, and a group project was donated to the Kerrville Public School Foundation for auction at this year’s fund raising gala. In addition, art club members finished a project started by former art teacher, Maureen Uphues. It is a Mona Lisa made with stamps.

Finally, Dynamic Dolphins was created to offer an opportunity for students to get active and discover the enjoyment that comes from physical activity and play.  Students learn first and foremost that they can improve their health, but they find too that they foster friendships and feel good about themselves.  This, no doubt, spills over into other areas of the student’s life.  Coach Smith hopes to develop leadership and sportsmanship in the students who participate.

Mar 01

What Ever It Takes

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When the school bell rings at the end of the day, the majority of our students go home to play, have a snack, pursue outside interests, or just relax.  All of this, of course, is mixed in with homework, dinner and chores. But there is a group of students whose dedication to learning extends beyond the regular school day. 

These students are involved in a number of after school activities provided by our Nimitz faculty and staff designed to meet the academic and social / emotional needs of students.  Beginning in late October, we identify 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students who need extra time to master skills that are necessary for academic success in the core grade level subjects (reading, math, writing, and science). Group sizes are kept small, which allows for teachers to direct their instruction specifically at student’s individual needs.

Staying after school sounds like a hard sell for students, but once they see it for themselves, we have them hooked.  Students find that learning becomes more fun and interactive than can be provided during the school day.  As I walk around the school during this time, I see students sitting on the floor playing board games that are designed to build and reinforce academic skills.  I find them huddled around a table discussing a concept such as writing with elaboration or the main idea of something that was just read.  I also find teachers taking advantage of educational technology and software designed to instruct and engage. The time is quiet, relaxed, but engaging.

The extra academic attention students receive is certainly effective, but I believe the biggest impact is created by the relationship that is developed between the teacher and her students.  This after school time allows for a closeness with the teacher and classmates.  Educational research tells us that when there is a personal connection between teacher and student, the way is cleared for deep learning to take place. Students need to know that we care for them, and our after school program ensures that can happen.

In addition to the academic intervention programs, we also have after school programs designed to enrich and inspire.  Honor Choir, Dynamic Dolphins, and Art Club all give a chance for students to pursue their interests in the arts and athletics. 

More on this in my next post . . .

Jan 19

High Tech in our School

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A projection device and interactive white board are the backbone of instructional technology.

A projection device and interactive white board are the backbone of instructional technology.

Educational Technology is a term that, not many years ago, explained the use of word processing, power point, and e-mail.  Fortunately, Nimitz Elementary has been able to break out of the “old school” mold to bring exciting new technologies into our classrooms that make teaching and learning more efficient, more exciting, and more fun.

Technology in our school starts with reliable, high-speed Internet connectivity.  It is followed up with a multi-media desktop computer, projection device, and interactive white board.  Every classroom at Nimitz has these components.  When packaged together, these tools allow teachers to take advantage of Internet resources, video, high interest software, teacher created documents, and interactive lessons.  Each academic team is assigned a network printer, and teachers have access to document scanners which can turn papers and photos into digital documents.  We are starting to acquire a device called a document camera which is similar to the overhead projector.  You can slide anything under the camera, and it’s image is projected on the screen for all to see. 

Teachers at Nimitz are also starting to venture into technology that goes beyond what was described above.  We conduct pilot studies with new technologies to see how they work, and determine their usefulness in the classroom.  For example, our library and one first grade classroom have web-cams with Skype accounts.  With these tools, students have the capability to communicate face to face with someone who is literally on the other side of the world.  For free!

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A 5th grader uses the Dance to Advance mat.

We have two classrooms with sets of ”clicker” devices.  Each student has a handheld device which is paired with the teacher’s computer through a blue tooth connection.  The teacher asks a question, and students respond with their clicker.  The teacher can access each students’ response, which allows an immediate opportunity to reteach a misunderstood concept . This gets us away from one student being called on and the rest being “off the hook” for an answer.

One classroom is equipped with the Dance to Advance program.  A pad is placed on the floor by which students move their feet to respond to a variety of questions projected on the white board.  The questions come at a quick pace which leads to the dance. This is a fun way to practice skills such as math facts that need repetition.

Another exciting technology being used at Nimitz is the iPod touch.  Our third grade reading classrooms each have five units.  They are being used for listening centers, and to take advantage educational “apps” that can be purchased rather inexpensively through iTunes.  We also have 6 units that are shared between kinder, first, and second grade classrooms that are used to administer the TPRI reading assessment, and interpret the data that is collected.  

As we acquire more technology, we are not simply jumping onto the latest bandwagon.  We are interested in finding technologies that either solve academic and instructional problems, or makes our various administrative tasks more efficient.   These technologies are  an exciting addition to our classrooms. With the help of Federal, State, and Local money, we will continue to add to the tools we have.  It is an amazing time to be an educator and a learner!

 

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A kindergarten student selects an answer on an interactive white board.

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A document camera projects dominoes onto the screen in a math class.

 

 

Nov 18

Parent Involvement that Matters

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It is November!  Someone told me recently we only have 3 more Mondays until Christmas break.  That statement is both exciting and frightening at the same time.  It is exciting because the Holidays are a magical time to be around 515 children.  The energy that is generated by the prospect of 2 weeks off and a visit from Santa Claus can light a small town for a month.  It is frightening, because our time with your children this school year will be half way gone.  We have so much we want to accomplish!

It has been a good school year.  Nimitz has earned accolades from the Texas Education Agency, and the Texas Business Education Coalition, but these recognitions are based on last school year’s performance.  We are in the midst of a new year with new challenges and new goals.  We do not sit back and assume that we will see the same success year after year.  We know that success comes from continuous work and improvement.  We also know that we are working for your children.  Their success comes before ours.

An important component of student success is the involvement of parents in their child’s education.  We offer many opportunities for parents to participate in activities at the school.  These are fun, informative, and serve to build and strengthen our school community.  However, true parent involvement occurs when parents know how their child is performing in school on a daily basis, and then takes that information to influence a positive change when needed. 

Every teacher has a specific way that they communicate with you.  This can be a valuable tool to get an idea of how things went at school that day.  However, it can be very brief information that may leave you with more questions than real answers.  If that happens to you, please give us a call.

In addition, we want you to know in a timely manner about problems that come up during the school day.  Issues like missing homework and multiple disciplinary infractions often times result in a phone call home by one of our staff members.   We do this because you have the right and need to know when things go wrong during the school day.

It is our hope that we can offer programs and develop systems that help you be the best parent you can be.  Your children are precious and they deserve the best from us and from you.  Working together will ensure that they get it.

Sep 08

In, Fed, Home

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On the first day of school, those of us in the school business say our goal is to get the students in the building, get ‘em fed, and get ’em home.   Those three things sound very simple on the surface, but in reality the first day of school is a culmination of months of hard work.  Over the summer, our custodial staff works diligently to clean literally every surface of the building and its furniture. Inside and out, there is no surface that goes uncleaned. 

Kari Gruver, first grade teacher, leaves a meeting with her arms full.

Kari Gruver, first grade teacher, leaves a meeting with her arms full.

In the office, we must make contact with all 520 students to confirm their registration.   In a matter of 3 days, our office secretaries accomplish this task while answering countless questions and taking care of the standard office tasks that come up in a typical day.  The next week begins registration for new students, and it is time to welcome new families and acquire the records necessary for enrollment.  Other details such as scheduling, plans for teacher training, and purchasing keep us very busy.

 Teachers and instructional aides stay busy through the summer months.  During the months of June and July, there are formal trainings and workshops to attend.  But the work teachers do on their own time truly makes the difference once school starts.  They spend literally hours reviewing their curriculum, writing new lessons, and studying new techniques.   And once the custodians have cleaned their rooms, they are back in the building to prepare for a new year.

Once mid-August comes along, everyone is back for the big push.  It is a joyous time to be reunited with friends and co-workers, but it is also a time of stress.  There are meetings and trainings to attend, while in the back of every teachers’ mind is the desire to be working in their classrooms.  At Nimitz we seem to strike a happy balance between the two seemingly opposing forces, and it all gets done. 

5th grade language arts teacher Bridgette Michon puts some finishing touches on her classroom.

5th grade language arts teacher Bridgette Michon puts some finishing touches on her classroom.

On the Thursday evening before the first day of school we have Meet the Teacher.  It is literally a whirl wind as most of our student and their families converge on the building, eager to see old friends, and meet new ones.   It is in my opinion the happiest, most energy filled day of the year.  Everything is clean, all classrooms are beautifully decorated, we are dressed nice, and we smell good.  It is our grand opening; our welcome back.

The next three days provide us a bit of rest and time for some last minute details to be ironed out.  Finally, Monday arrives.  Expectant students are dropped off by their parents who are leaving their most prized possession in our hands.  It is a responsibility that we take seriously.

“Get ‘em in, get ‘em fed, and get ‘em home” sounds a bit impersonal, but it is a simple way to sum up the culmination of a lot of people working for what they love the most. 

We have had an incredible beginning due to the hard work of our faculty and staff, the participation of our parents, and the positive energy of our students.  Thanks to everyone!

And now the real work begins. . .

Jul 31

Nimitz Earns Exemplary Rating

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On Friday we received our official accountability rating from the Texas Education Agency.   As we predicted in May based on preliminary scores, we received the state’s highest rating, exemplary.  I am proud of this, as should all teachers, staff, students, and parents of Nimitz.  This marks the third time in four years that we have earned an exemplary rating.

When ratings come out, it is big news in most communities.  Ratings are published in newspapers, and the television news media is eager to report on how schools and districts in their metropolitan areas performed.  It is a day that I looked forward to this year, because it acted as a sort of public acknowledgement of the extraordinary efforts of our students and teachers.  In my opinion, we should hold a ticker tape parade for the students and staff of every exemplary rated school.

The TAKS test is difficult.  If you don’t believe me, click here to go to the Texas Education Agency web site where you can look at versions of the test from previous years.   Take some time to see for yourself what your children are expected to do.  When I think about the skills that I learned in school, it is apparent that I was taught many skills one and sometimes two years later than we are teaching them to students now.  This is done to ensure that students are prepared for their grade level TAKS tests.

We are in an era of what educators and politicians are calling “high stakes testing.”  It is termed high stakes because standards have been raised, and students who cannot show proficiency in these standards are unable to graduate from a regular high school program.

A dedicated staff with the a "do what ever it takes" attitude makes Nimitz a great place for learning.

A dedicated staff with the a "do what ever it takes" attitude makes Nimitz a great place for learning.

In the next few weeks, you will likely hear and read quotes from parents, teachers, and administrators about TAKS.  Some will say we put too much emphasis on the test, while other will say it is only by testing that we can improve education.   Some will say the test robs students of creativity and high-level thinking.  Others will say the test evens the playing field, and is the only way to ensure that all students are offered the same educational opportunities.

Regardless of where you stand on this, the simple truth is that to graduate from an accredited public high school in Texas, a student must pass the TAKS tests.  As long as that is the case, the teachers and staff at Nimitz will continue to work hard to prepare your children for this test.  We will do so in a way that preserves creativity and includes high-level thinking skills.  We will take care of the emotional and social side of your children as well.  We will continuously assess and improve our programs where we can.  And in the middle of the summer, when we get our school’s name in the newspaper with the word Exemplary stamped beside it, we will be proud!

To view the article in the Kerrville Daily Times, click here.

Jun 10

Summer 2010

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Summer means the building gets scrubbed from top to bottom.

Summer means the building gets scrubbed from top to bottom.

School is out for summer.  Fewer and fewer people are in the building, and the custodial crew is busy scrubbing everything from the ceiling down to the floors.  This time of year is a mixed bag of emotions. 

There is the feeling of victory that comes from finishing another successful school year.  Ours was very successful this year for a number of reasons, but the most important had to do with our students’ academic performance.  We have historically been known as an award winning school, and based on what I know about our test performance this year, we will continue that tradition.

There is a feeling of sadness.  Our job is about the kids, and we will not be seeing them again for almost three months.  The building is alive when the students are here.  Now, it is just a building.  There are no colorful bulletin boards.  No student work hung in the hall.  The art projects have been packed home, and the buzz of an engaged classroom has faded. Walking around the building this time of year is a bit depressing.

Of course, August will come and the building will come back to life.  The office will reopen on August 4th, and confirmation will begin.  New students, eager and curious about their new school, will arrive to register on August 9.  Teachers will start to trickle in at odd hours to start retooling for the new year, and Nimitz Elementary School will be ready for joy, sweat, tears, laughter, and learning by August 19 when we host our Meet the Teacher event.  It will be a great night, and another great year.

Everything has to come out of every room in order to clean the rooms.