Join in the #HISDAdminChat conversation each Sunday night at 6pm CST as we discuss the challenges we face and the successes we celebrate while learning and leading as an HISD Administrator.
OMG! Thrilled to have @debralcamp hosting #HISDAdminChat!
Welcome everyone. Iโm Sandra, proud principal at #DoganNation and it takes me around 30 minutes to get to school!
I cannot believe this is our #99Chat !
Iโm Amanda, AP @Braeburn_HISD, which is temporarily located on the Welch MS campus.... which makes my commute about 25 minutes in the morning and 50 minutes in the afternoon. ๐ ๐ ๐ #HISDAdminChat
My name is Heather Pollack and my commute is two minutes. I walk from my bedroom to my home office! When I worked for HISD it was an hour each way from Katy, TX.#remoteworklife#HISDAdminChat
Good evening! My name is Luis Saenz, AP at Paterson ES. My commute is anywhere from 35-40 mins in the morning, 50 minutes on the way home. #HISDAdminChat
I'm Jennifer, Hoover High AP in Alabama. Got to visit @BellaireHigh in the fall when I was in Houston for #WGEDD. Excited to be here tonight! #HISDAdminChat
Hereโs how it works. There are 4 questions tonight, tag your answers with A1, A2, etc and use the hashtag: #HISDAdminChat. Our chat works best when we are responding to each other.
My name is Heather Pollack and my commute is two minutes. I walk from my bedroom to my home office! When I worked for HISD it was an hour each way from Katy, TX.#remoteworklife#HISDAdminChat
Iโm Amanda, AP @Braeburn_HISD, which is temporarily located on the Welch MS campus.... which makes my commute about 25 minutes in the morning and 50 minutes in the afternoon. ๐ ๐ ๐ #HISDAdminChat
Howdy yโall! Itโs me Leigha. Like princess ๐! It takes me about 45 minutes to get to @Elrod_HISD! Praying for a miracle to happen on 610 any day now! Looking forward to learning from you @debralcamp! #HISDAdminChat#letlovelead๐
I'm Jennifer, Hoover High AP in Alabama. Got to visit @BellaireHigh in the fall when I was in Houston for #WGEDD. Excited to be here tonight! #HISDAdminChat
Good evening! My name is Luis Saenz, AP at Paterson ES. My commute is anywhere from 35-40 mins in the morning, 50 minutes on the way home. #HISDAdminChat
Good evening! My name is Luis Saenz, AP at Paterson ES. My commute is anywhere from 35-40 mins in the morning, 50 minutes on the way home. #HISDAdminChat
My name is Heather Pollack and my commute is two minutes. I walk from my bedroom to my home office! When I worked for HISD it was an hour each way from Katy, TX.#remoteworklife#HISDAdminChat
Howdy yโall! Itโs me Leigha. Like princess ๐! It takes me about 45 minutes to get to @Elrod_HISD! Praying for a miracle to happen on 610 any day now! Looking forward to learning from you @debralcamp! #HISDAdminChat#letlovelead๐
A1) It was summer and we still had lots of work left to do for August PD. And the three of us were in three states for three weeks. I started a @voxer group and we used that to plan. It was great and helped us push forward. Hearing voices matters. #HISDAdminChat
A1) I have found that with my team we sometimes have to walk it back to see why we are stuck and then resolve that issue before we can move forward.#HISDAdminChat
A1) taking over a team that was looking for guidance and a leader - someone who would be a part of the team and not just a leader from the office. Quickly built a strong team that worked together #HISDAdminChat
I honestly enjoy the additional time embedded in the @A180_HISD program for Professional Development! #DoganNation has greatly benefited! #HISDAdminChat
A1: I think about a time I held data meetings... I think it was a first for several of our HS teachers. We were trying to move from having data to using data. You can read more here: https://t.co/OKfbAaPVgW#HISDAdminChat
A1-i think as principals we cannot forget what it is like to be a teacher. We have to hold expectations yet be understanding. Listen and encourage. #HISDAdminChat
A1: Asking for help! @debralcamp stepped right in when my team was struggling to make sense of STAAR data. Helps to have fresh perspective, and to make sure every voice is heard and valued. #HISDAdminChat
I would also add that @RitaGraves16 helped get some middle schools unstuck through a middle school mini-conference two years ago. Collaboration at its best! #HISDAdminChat
Good evening #HISDAdminChat Iโm a little late to the party, my name is Karina Lopez and my commute each morning is roughly 30 minutes (including my Starbucks stop) ๐
A1: This week, another admin and I admitted weโve been avoiding a certain grdโs data bc we are overwhelmed and unsure how to proceed. Admitting it was the first step to getting unstuck! We built a Post-it wall tracker together and have the beginnings of a plan! #HISDAdminChat
Where did that additional time come from? Do y'all do late starts or early dismissals? Our Ts have 2 off periods - one is for PLCs and PD. So fortunate in our district to have it! #HISDAdminChat
A1: one that comes to mind is when #DoganNation receive that letter from TEA stating we had 9 months to get out of IR... admin team rolled up out sleeves and put it all in the line TOGETHER! History made! #HISDAdminChat
A1-i think as principals we cannot forget what it is like to be a teacher. We have to hold expectations yet be understanding. Listen and encourage. #HISDAdminChat
A1: My teachers always find such creative ways to collaborate during the day, talk about obstacles and ALWAYS find solutions! Moving the needle constantly #HISDAdminChat
Every other Saturday we have participating schools collaborate on the same PD focus. They range from Data Dives, Standard Unpacking, AT BATS, IAT, etc. It gives us an extra two hours of focused, collaborative learning! #HISDAdminChat
The most successful collaboration was away from the office/school and involved several uninterrupted days dedicated to setting goals, nurturing relationships, and getting the work done. #HISDAdminChat
A2) While we use most social media channels to tell our story, my go to resource to tell our story has to be Twitter. And our weekly Cardinal eNews would be a close 2nd. Try to make sure they highlight our school values. #HISDAdminChat
#HISDAdminChat A1allowing people to weigh in and help shape procedures and evets. I prefer face to face meetings and follow up with collaborative documents.
A1. A few weeks ago, I was stopped by a T, who is having difficulties, as I was about to leave for the day (5:00 p.m. on a Friday). We troubleshooted and developed action steps to implement. Gradual improvements have emerged since then. Left at 6:45 pm that day. #HISDAdminChat
A1: This week, another admin and I admitted weโve been avoiding a certain grdโs data bc we are overwhelmed and unsure how to proceed. Admitting it was the first step to getting unstuck! We built a Post-it wall tracker together and have the beginnings of a plan! #HISDAdminChat
Good evening #HISDAdminChat Iโm a little late to the party, my name is Karina Lopez and my commute each morning is roughly 30 minutes (including my Starbucks stop) ๐
A2) While we use most social media channels to tell our story, my go to resource to tell our story has to be Twitter. And our weekly Cardinal eNews would be a close 2nd. Try to make sure they highlight our school values. #HISDAdminChat
A2) My go to source is talking in person. When I am at my best itโs followed up in writing, even a one liner... thanks for the chat, I hear where youโre coming from. ๐ @hisdadminchat#HISDAdminChat
A1: When weโre stuck, we STOP! Pack our THINGS & go HOME! It will be there tomorrow, so we come back โTOMORROWโ with a renewed mind! #HISDAdminChat#letlovelead๐ #BetterTogether
Kind of an unexpected avenue but FB and Twitter have helped me get to know members of our large faculty and break the ice for further communication and collaboration. #HISDAdminChat
A2). Iโm trying to do newsletter this year called, Panda News. I havenโt been as faithful as I was trying to do it weekly. With advice from parents we are moving to monthly. #HISDAdminChat
A2: Twitter, without a doubt. But when Iโm feeling inspired, and want to use a few more words, I try and find the time to write a blog post. #fitnessandfroyo#HISDAdminChat
We have our admin team organized into grade levels plus extra responsibilities, too. I am the only one without a grade level - I work with curriculum, testing, data, technology, PD, etc. #HISDAdminChat
A2) My go to source is talking in person. When I am at my best itโs followed up in writing, even a one liner... thanks for the chat, I hear where youโre coming from. ๐ #HISDAdminChat
A2: For reaching families, we use the very active @Braeburn_HISD Facebook page, plus Remind and @ClassDojo. For other stakeholders, Twitter has been really helpful! #HISDAdminChat
A2: Start with F2F. Twitter, Facebook and use of our district/building webpage. Also, our district does a solid job of using email to reach homes. Always looking to learn about other ways! #HISDAdminChat
I would also add that @RitaGraves16 helped get some middle schools unstuck through a middle school mini-conference two years ago. Collaboration at its best! #HISDAdminChat
I honestly enjoy the additional time embedded in the @A180_HISD program for Professional Development! #DoganNation has greatly benefited! #HISDAdminChat
Q1: Much of my job is collaboration amongst departments. I am constantly facilitating connections with special ed, assessment, data, transportation and the general ed campus
#HISDAdminChat
A1) I have found that with my team we sometimes have to walk it back to see why we are stuck and then resolve that issue before we can move forward.#HISDAdminChat
I would have to say that our first one was, too. Think of the courage it took to hold the next one! Nothing like failing forward!! #CourageousLeadership#HISDAdminChat
A2) I find I use text most often followed up by face to face. @debralcamp is teaching me to use twitter to share out about my department. #HISDAdminChat
A1-Donโt think that sending one email or having one conversation will get the team unstuck. Follow-up and conversations are key to collaboration. #HISDAdminChat
Twitter has definitely been a life changer for us! We are changing the narrative and telling our story through social media. Check out the great people that make up: #DoganNation#HISDAdminChat
A1) It was summer and we still had lots of work left to do for August PD. And the three of us were in three states for three weeks. I started a @voxer group and we used that to plan. It was great and helped us push forward. Hearing voices matters. #HISDAdminChat
I think sometimes admin fall into trap of feeling like we need to have all the answers. But itโs not about that. We need to be asking good questions. (And itโs hard to do that if youโre feeling anxious/avoidant about data... ๐) #HISDAdminChat
A2) I mainly use twitter to tell our school's story. I sporadically use our school FB page (not good practice... I know). We have a student running our school Instagram page. #socool#HISDAdminChat
A2. Twitter! Lol. I loved using the callout system, marquee, and etc. As an elementary principal, we had Tuesday folders. All communication went out on the same day each week so that parents would know "when" to look onto those backpacks. #HISDAdminChat
A1-Donโt think that sending one email or having one conversation will get the team unstuck. Follow-up and conversations are key to collaboration. #HISDAdminChat
A2. My go-to resources that I frequently consult are those that Ts utilize in the classroom. What successful Ts utilize often proves to be powerful to get the job done. #HISDAdminChat
A2) To reach stakeholders, we have @RemindHQ groups set up for each grade level. We also send out a daily "e-news" via email to parents & Ss. Can't forget @canva to make awesome graphics! #HISDAdminChat
With so many demands it is easy to get distracted and/or overwhelmed for my team it was a big UNSTUCK to get new planners and also put everything on our Outlook color coded so we can strategically divide and conquer #IntentionalWithTime#HISDAdminChat
A1: Sometimes we may not even realize we are โstuckโ until an outside perspective sheds light on the situation and then we all get moving. #HISDAdminChat
A3. By setting the expectation that creativity is ok. Celebrating it when you see it and not putting your team in a box. Requiring everyone to do things exactly the same is not always the best approach.
#HISDAdminChat
A1: Sometimes we may not even realize we are โstuckโ until an outside perspective sheds light on the situation and then we all get moving. #HISDAdminChat
A3) I try to model being creative by sharing things I am trying with team/faculty/staff. Blog, student podcast, new technology used in front of them. Looking for ways to model what can be and trusting them to take the fail/success and adapt for their needs. #HISDAdminChat
A3: With both kids and with staff, We try new things and are transparent about it (e.g., โWe are trying something new because...โ)โand if it doesnโt work out, we name that too, and hopefully message that itโs OK to fail as long as we learn from it & move forward. #HISDAdminChat
A3) I believe creativity is about having the confidence to step out on a limb. I hope I foster it by allowing teachers and students to take risks and be confident . We are at our best when we feel safe to fail or succeed. Then reflection and sharing.#HISDAdminChat
With so many demands it is easy to get distracted and/or overwhelmed for my team it was a big UNSTUCK to get new planners and also put everything on our Outlook color coded so we can strategically divide and conquer #IntentionalWithTime#HISDAdminChat
A2: Our whole campus uses GroupMe even for dismissal carpool! Itโs easy and can be on a phone, tablet or laptop for easing the communication monster!!! For outside our walls with community we use Twitter and Facebook! #HISDAdminChat
A3) Honestly I am surrounded by creative teachers, so I encourage them to fly. I ask them to invite me along and I try to be their cheerleader during the journey. #HISDAdminChat
A3: Speaking from a classroom perspective โ student choice has been a game changer. Iโve stepped back a bit and let students choose what plays to their strengths with assessment. Itโs been refreshing & encouraging, & it helps to have admin who support risk-taking! #HISDAdminChat
A3: Love this question and all the possible responses/ways. For me, starts with trust and supporting trial, error, failure, success, repeat. #HISDAdminChat
When I was a teacher, I did not show models of exemplary work when introducing an assignment. I felt that it can restrict creativity for the students' products. #HISDAdminChat
A3: Because of our needs this year, I feel I have not done a good job on this area. Big dreams and plans for the future. Keeping our fingers crossed for a grant that will definitely help us boost creativity at our campus! #HISDAdminChat
A3) I love to tell our staff YES! I'm their biggest cheerleader, support person, techie, and groupie. They know I will take and encourage risks. #HISDAdminChat
A3) Honestly I am surrounded by creative teachers, so I encourage them to fly. I ask them to invite me along and I try to be their cheerleader during the journey. #HISDAdminChat
A3-We often think that creativity has to be something over the top with sparkles and fireworks. It does not have to be. Simple tweaks can be the biggest creative steps we need. #HISDAdminChat
A3) I also added this year Mad Cool Awards where I challenge teachers to recognize others that are innovating. Read about it here https://t.co/3JtxK0ABII#HISDAdminChat
With so many demands it is easy to get distracted and/or overwhelmed for my team it was a big UNSTUCK to get new planners and also put everything on our Outlook color coded so we can strategically divide and conquer #IntentionalWithTime#HISDAdminChat
Youโre right that trust is a huge part of this. Teachers or kids have to trust that itโs OK to be creative (and maybe have it not work out). #HISDAdminChat
A3) I also added this year Mad Cool Awards where I challenge teachers to recognize others that are innovating. Read about it here https://t.co/3JtxK0ABII#HISDAdminChat
When our teachers realized we were visiting their classrooms to share with the world (via @twitter) what they were doing, it allowed them to take more risks and invite us to be a part of the process. #HISDAdminChat
A1: Recently my school district held 2 days of professional development. All sessions were led by teachers and leaders in the district. It provided 2 full days of collaboration and was amazing! #HISDAdminChat
A4) I reach out to others or grab a book on the topic and dive in. I find that Iโm at my best when Iโve had time to sit and reflect and then sit and talk it out with other members of my team. #HISDAdminChat
A4. For me...get the right people in a room and any thing goes. Brainstorm, dump ideas and just think out loud. Sleep on it and come back. Starting a group chat on voxer to continue thinking or a google doc to add thoughts too is also something we do. #HISDAdminChat
A4) I'm a thinker & internal processor. I like to weigh options, review all angles/approaches, then I will begin to process verbally with others. I tend to seek advice from my PLN via Voxer, too. All of these strategies help me be my best. #HISDAdminChat
A4) Who else needs to be in the room? You have to start with some of the right people in the room and then keep it open-ended. Resist the idea that you know where thw work may lead. #ConfirmationBias. #HISDAdminChat
A4: At my best, I take the time to do a real root-cause analysis, and I try to stay as asset-based as possible. It can be hard to step back and do this analysis & stay positive w/all that admin life throws at you, but itโs the only way to make lasting change. #HISDAdminChat
A4) Often we first research an idea or gather other's opinions, but when we just think for ourselves is when the most powerful critical thinking happens. #HISDAdminChat
Next Sunday! Join us for #HISDAdminChat 100th celebration at Bungalow Heights in Houston, TX! Starting at 4 PM and the tweeting party at the regular time 6 PM CST.
You ๐๐ฝ
Have๐๐ฝ
To๐๐ฝ
Be๐๐ฝ
There๐๐ฝ https://t.co/DzBduN3vRW
A2: Twitter is my current favorite. Iโm trying to promote more Twitter use among my staff in hopes more parents will follow suit. We also use Blackboard, Instagram, and Facebook. #HISDAdminChat
Next Sunday! Join us for #HISDAdminChat 100th celebration at Bungalow Heights in Houston, TX! Starting at 4 PM and the tweeting party at the regular time 6 PM CST.
You ๐๐ฝ
Have๐๐ฝ
To๐๐ฝ
Be๐๐ฝ
There๐๐ฝ https://t.co/DzBduN3vRW
And that's a wrap for tonight! Throwing a 5th C into your toolbox as you head into the week, #Courage! Thanks for letting me lead the conversation tonight @texasbuckeye and @menxueiro Everyone stay tuned for details on the 100th! #HISDAdminChat Enjoy the Oscars!
A4: always begin with the end in mind. Knowing what your goal or desired outcome is (and what it looks like) will initiate the planning stages. #HISDAdminChat
And that's a wrap for tonight! Throwing a 5th C into your toolbox as you head into the week, #Courage! Thanks for letting me lead the conversation tonight @texasbuckeye and @menxueiro Everyone stay tuned for details on the 100th! #HISDAdminChat Enjoy the Oscars!
Next Sunday! Join us for #HISDAdminChat 100th celebration at Bungalow Heights in Houston, TX! Starting at 4 PM and the tweeting party at the regular time 6 PM CST.
You ๐๐ฝ
Have๐๐ฝ
To๐๐ฝ
Be๐๐ฝ
There๐๐ฝ https://t.co/DzBduN3vRW
And that's a wrap for tonight! Throwing a 5th C into your toolbox as you head into the week, #Courage! Thanks for letting me lead the conversation tonight @texasbuckeye and @menxueiro Everyone stay tuned for details on the 100th! #HISDAdminChat Enjoy the Oscars!
We knew we needed @debralcamp for our #99th#HISDAdminChat
And we were right!
Thank you so much for your leadership and to everyone that joined us #BetterTogether
Have an amazing week!
A4: I love receiving feedback from teachers. Recently a teacher wanted to discuss outcomes from our data meeting. She brought great ideas and solutions. I welcome meetings of the mind for the greater success of students. #HISDAdminChat
Let me get this docu series going! Weโre making history! Being able to have a PD from your phone every week is revitalizing! Iโm energized & ready for the week! Letโs go!
