#OhEdChat Archive
#OHEdChat was started by an ad hoc group of Ohio educators and other interested people. For information and updates about the chat, visit https://ohedchat.wordpress.com/
Wednesday May 18, 2016
Welcome to , as we discuss ending the year on a positive note.
Sierra, special ed major at Ohio University.
Jacki-principal in Hilliard! Read for
I'm Ryan McLane, principal at Big Walnut Intermediate, co-author of . I'll be moderating tonight.
Jenny 4th grade ELA from Toledo!
Pat Miller, Ashland OH, Math, Please help an S out, take the survey and retweet to get as many responses https://t.co/Oyav0YyGhc
Jeremy from Dover here. I finished my son's baseball practice off strong...with a home run.
James - science educator from Just got home from a great evening of honoring students' achievements!
Hi ! Can't wait for a positive end to my great year. Beth, ELA from SW OH.
I may regret this but Go Hiland Hawks!!
Ray, Principal at West Muskingum HS looking forward to
Danny Steele ... principal in B'ham, AL.
Thanks! Great to be here!
Danielle, Early Childhood Education and Coaching student, OU Lancaster
Dan from Des Plaines, Il. High school social studies
Monica 1st grade (2nd next year) T from Dayton! I'm excited to be back at after a very busy month!
Hi -Carol ELA Consultant from Long Island checking in from a statewide conference in Albany, NY
You should regret that. As a TCC grad, I just can't.
Kelli Wohlgamuth, humble servant to West Muskingum
I am going to have to double dip a little tonight in and ! Bethany, elem lead learner from Arkansas.
My tweets for the next hour will be part of . Tonight we are discussing finishing the year on a positive note.
End the year strong until the , right Neil!
Alisa from Program Coordinator, Ohio State. Excited to be here tonight.
I grew up in Mount Prospect!! Hope the NW suburbs are treating you well!
Greg Garris, Assistant Principal from Worthington, OH.
Q1: How do you celebrate student successes as you end the school year?
1st of many shameless plugs. Big Walnut Intermediate is hiring an Intervention Specialist. Apply here https://t.co/6y1kRZSlwg
7-12 Social Studies Teacher from Philly moving to central Ohio. Job hunting.
Hello and Sandy here from Ut. 5th grade teacher and LOVE it!
Neil Gupta, co-moderator for , district administrator for
thanks. Best night of the week is Always get something to think about here!
No class tonight. Let's see if I can do both and at the same time.
Lizzie Bruzda, Social Studies Ashland High School!
Thanks for joining this evening.
Great voxes! I learn so much from you!
A1 CCP Comp Ss gave speeches describing the story of their writing this year, including skills they mastered and goals as exam.
A1: High fives on a daily basis.
A1) We can never celebrate it enough. Our HS has many awards, but we could do more. I love this time of year!!!!
Me, too. Uplifting to be around non-complainer Ts, for sure.
A1: make sure you take time to reflect with each student to discuss their positive growth. Make time for each student.
Hey Everyone, Brett, T from Normandy HS in Parma tuning in to
A1 Ask Ss to compliment something another student did/said during the year. Powerful
A1: Celebrate kids for who they are FIRST.
A1:We do an after school award assembly and then the next day we continue the awards in a school assembly.
This is such a self-esteem builder and great way to finish out the year!
A1 Trying more digital accolades; Publishing iBooks, displaying Keynote slides. Recognizing & celebrating Ss success!
Tricia Ebner, GIS & busy mom of a baseball player, arriving late to . Apologies!
A1: Spent this year thanking kids for the unique gifts they brought to the class.
A1: Classroom superlatives, award ceremonies, service learning showcases, student-led symposium.
A1: Instead of a traditional final, my Ss are doing a culmination project to see how much they've really learned this year
A1: Celebrate the projects of the semester/year through presentations.
JonSmith chiming in. Tech dude. instructor.
A1: We just held an awards lunch for students. Talent show on last day. More awards.
Sometimes I miss the tangible work for my walls. Cool idea, publishing iBooks!
A1: It's a great time to reflect on what Ss accomplished throughout the year and celebrate. Recognize growth and progress.
A1: I have my Ss review their portfolios, they surprise themselves with how much they grew
A1: we also do an awards assembly, but we need to celebrate each student someway...need it weekly or daily.
Celebrate student success via authentic, interactive projects in a Gallery Walk. A1
We did a talent show at my high school, this may be something I need to bring to
A1: Lots of awards ceremonies this time of year at the high school. My favorite celebration is graduation!
Do you make digital portfolios?
A1: 8th graders receive their writing portfolios of major works from the past three years. Proof of growth.
A1-I want to think of some ways to recognize Ss that don't usually get recognition has been doing this
A1 standard awards ceremony, but equally powerful, personal acknowledgements of accomplishment, achievement, growth
Glad to be here! Had to tuck in my third baseman before firing up the laptop!
not this year (we don't have the tech), but that's the plan for next year!
talent show, musical concerts, sports banquets for other amazing achievements for our creative students and student athletes.
Do you know what/how you're going to use?
Ryan Rismiller, AP Marion Harding High School
Sweet! Glad you are here! You coming down to right?
I see a lot of answers about awards.Some ppl think trophies for all are bad,I think each person earns an award for something diff.
Thanks, Sandy! Hope you are doing well!
A1: Our high school holds a Top 25 banquet--top 25 seniors each honor an educator who made a difference.
A1-Recognizing a growth mindset is what I want to do! But, I need to figure out how and then try it out
A1: year end celebrations senior march out the last day
Angie from Worthington Kilbourne HS
Q2: How do you celebrate staff successes as you close out the school year?
my goal is to explore and learn more, hard with 1st graders, but totally possible! Suggestions??
A1.1: reflections with Ss to build plans for next year
Yup! It's been a Happy bday kind of day! :)
I'm almost 40, & we got trophies at the end of the season. Some people have foggy memories to imply it's only this gen.
Everyone who completed the Columbus 1/2 marathon got a medal. Imagine outrage if they only gave medals to the top 10%.
❤️❤️Love! ❤️❤️ https://t.co/0o1IHwtnR5
A1: Our high school holds a Top 25 banquet--top 25 seniors each honor an educator who made a difference.
A1 I should add. Senior awards assembly in front of underclassmen, we announce total scholarship $ awards. Powerful!
Exploring possibilities. What about
A1: We take out Ss on a week long Outward Bound trip that includes camping and rope courses too.
Love the idea of recognizing the teachers that pushed those students to reach their potential!
we started doing this last year. SWORD Award (Students Who are Outstanding, Resilient, Determined). Nominated by Ts
A2 As a staff, we only seem to notice weddings and births. Wish there was another way.
My Ss are often surprised by how much their writing has grown in a year--show them work from beginning of the year?
Katrice from in Cincinnati. I see a few people on. That's where I earned my "teacher britches"
definitely have liked this idea. One school did photo for student and most impactful teacher
I'm right there with you! I've been mulling over it, but am stuck!
A2: I'd like to see Ts recognize a special activity that another T did during the past year. Celebrate our growth!
A2) A little change we made a few years ago is celebrating or T of the Yr at the beginning of the next year. It's magic! 👍🏼
Can I mark this tweet as spam?
A2: Something along the lines of "I have noticed you have gotten better at ___ this school year. Keep it up!" Simple and powerful.
Through our Awards Assembly and Farewell Assembly, we recognize Ts for the investment in our HR program and Senior Class Ts.
For some people finishing the marathon was the goal, and they reached that goal. They deserve the award.
not very familiar, have you tried?
Shoutouts to all staff for finishing the year strong to the A2
Tinkered with it just a bit :) Looks really good though for younger kids esp.
Educators don't know who nominated them until they arrive at banquet. Huge honor.
A2 Most teacher successes come from individual relationships built with students, so they are experienced privately.
A2: we do a staff member of the month. They are nominated by their peers!
we agree completely. For for students, learning is the goal. They deserve the award.
A2: end of year luncheon.
A1: Rotating kindness letters. Brag tags.
A2: Today we started a new award for teachers: "I am the difference!" A new one every month. Nominated by students.
I'll have to add it to my summer list of things to investigate! Thanks!
A2 Our K-5 school has 5th Ss write letters to Ts they've had any year prior, to remind them & celebrate their positive influence.
A2: Looking for great ideas for Ts recognition. We have limited recognition at my school.
A2-Great Q-It's important to me that my staff know how special they are-I've never thought abt doing staff rec at the end of yr
A2: We don't really do anything in our school. I'm definitely gonna be an active listener with this question
A2: Possibly hold an end of year lunch or dinner hosted by the school. Being recognized and acknowledged is huge for Ts.
I'm with you the end of the year is nuts!
your school's Expeditions hit the nail on the head with this one! https://t.co/pzUTD7HjmK
Q2: [Leadership] How can school leaders best create a culture of innovation inside their school district? .
A2: Our admins have a cookout for us--which we love! Much appreciated.
Very cool idea! https://t.co/zAYSW8eJCj
A2: Today we started a new award for teachers: "I am the difference!" A new one every month. Nominated by students.
We had Alumni come back in at the start of the school year to share how our T's made a difference in their life.
A2: Honestly, we don't do it enough. Too often we reach the end of the year and don't reflect on the successes.
If you can help with donors, that would be great! We are expecting a huge crowd!
Us, too. Our only nod is babies and weddings. A young staff, but we do more than that!
a2: Try to celebrate staff successes throughout year at meetings. End of year staff luncheon to celebrate yr. Recognize retirees.
This is so true! As building leaders we must make this a priority https://t.co/EexFLN4zPq
A2: Honestly, we don't do it enough. Too often we reach the end of the year and don't reflect on the successes.
A2: We have an end of the year staff cookout at my house. Will give out some fun awards as well.
A2: it's been a rough year, many Ts lost fam members, I am going to try to initiate some type of appreciation letters from Ss
A2: By taking a bus full of central office staff members to a school to say 'Thank You' to teachers. https://t.co/T75tqfyflK
Cook outs are always a great time to celebrate another great year!
Boy, that would start the yr strong. Sometimes we never know if we make a diff in the live of our Ss.
A2: My first school--25 years ago--admins made breakfast for Ts on final day of year for Ts (work day).
A2: encouragment and thank yous have been extremely powerful in my department.
A2: Fulfilling wish lists from teachers! I delivered to classrooms today!
We've done it with kids.. It was nice to have everyone at lunch at the same time.
A2: We celebrate our students with recognition nights!
Great platform allowing display of Ss work, blogging w/ Ps viewing too. Should check it out.
Q3: What are some ways you can encourage fun student learning to avoid the summer slump?
We celebrate milestones, but I really like this idea! https://t.co/boKjcKXNP1
A2: Something along the lines of "I have noticed you have gotten better at ___ this school year. Keep it up!" Simple and powerful.
Our Seniors and T's tie-dyed t-shirts and will wear on last day of school.
I like the idea of having some fun awards for staff! Can't forget to smile and laugh with each other.
A1: Fitting question as I just got home from the recognition program. Dedicated S's and T's celebrating a great year!
Q3: common read/book talk
A3 GAMIFY learning challenges and let kids communicate w each other using ! (Esp. young kids who can't use other platforms)
A3: Historical scavenger hunt or activity that requires students to send you a post card from a learning activity and reflection.
A2: Never underestimate the power of a handwritten thank you note and something that is their personal favorite.
A3: For my 6th & 7th graders, invite them to consider ideas for their next projects.
I have my 8th graders write letters to teachers before graduating and Ts love them! Very heartwarming letters.
I'm thinking have Ss make them for themselves may be powerful, build and build confidence https://t.co/qWvGdYICXT
A2: Something along the lines of "I have noticed you have gotten better at ___ this school year. Keep it up!" Simple and powerful.
A3: take the learning outdoors. Get mobile. HS Ss like things like sidewalk chalk too
I love this!! https://t.co/41U777Vrky
A3: Historical scavenger hunt or activity that requires students to send you a post card from a learning activity and reflection.
A3: Maybe challenge Ss to explore concept related to next school year once a month? Best if Ss had good Internet access.
A3:Create fun instructional math videos of their teacher teaching previously taught material on YouTube. https://t.co/aLsjjd5Roc
A3: challenge them to show you a project that they made of an interest when they return. They'll independently design the project!
A3: If you show Ss all the fun things they can do w/ games (Jenga and Dominoes especially) they are more likely to practice @ home
Saying good night. Long day at the conference.
A3: I think this is where educators can tap into social media to give kids suggestions on learning activities over the summer.
A3-If Ss tweet-would be fun for Ts and Ss to tweet to a # and share books they read all summer.
A3: I loved when the public/county library had a summer reading book club! There were prizes at each 10 books read.
A3: whole school summer read that Ss can relate to
A3: Many global learning trips, team and organization service projects go on during summer. Also freshman mentors meet frosh.
They still do. Adults can sign up too.
A3: Research activity for IB History IA at a local historical society or library.
I will continue to communicate with Ps using to ensure learning and fun are taking place! https://t.co/HIe8476Utt
A3: I think this is where educators can tap into social media to give kids suggestions on learning activities over the summer.
A3: I was wondering about setting up a "book discussion chat" in my Google classroom.
A3 My Ss make a summer wish list of authors, titles, & genres they'd like to read over the summer! I send it home on the last day!
A3: Seniors can choose Sr. Project Internship-last 4 yrs. Some experienced open heart surgery to dental procedures to politics
A3: Service learning opportunities are perfect to start in the summer and hopefully grow into the school year
That's awesome! Good thing I have my library card.
A3: This summer will be great as a SS T with the election coming up. Especially being in CLE with the RNC. A lot of learning opps!
A3: I want to encourage students to go outside and play. Use their imagination and disconnect from a screen.
our library distributes prizes for time spent on reading
A3: We do a program with the library called Postcards to the Principal. Students read a book & send me a postcard about it.
Awesome! Encouraging summer reading!!
Could be fun. We had 3 projects they could choose from for Ready Player One. Hoping it goes well!
I am liking this idea... https://t.co/hVBXigUeCr
A3: We do a program with the library called Postcards to the Principal. Students read a book & send me a postcard about it.
Before leaving for the summer have the kids create and vote on the hashtag, print # on bookmarks 4 each Ss.
Well this idea is flat out awesome! https://t.co/D85FymH4mv
A3: We do a program with the library called Postcards to the Principal. Students read a book & send me a postcard about it.
You can do this by setting up a question & clicking the slider to allow students to respond to each other.
That's fantastic. I loved getting movie prizes or bogo coupons for frozen custard.
I write back to random students. Received a couple hundred last summer.
A3: We started "get-ahead" courses in the summer for ambitious students that want to set themselves up to take advanced coursework
Great idea! Possibly can scale down to a classroom version https://t.co/fjjK1Ff11a
A3: We do a program with the library called Postcards to the Principal. Students read a book & send me a postcard about it.
Q4: What are some ways you can encourage each other to grow as an educator over the summer?
I can see this working if they are sent to the Ts for the next grade lvl. Helps those Ts get to know their Ss.
A4: Continuing conversations on
A4: Spend time reflecting on the past year. Set 1 or 2 goals for the next year
A4: Use social media to have slow chats, share summer reading choices, etc.
A4: Holding a book club--reading and reflecting on changes we might want to make for next year.
A4: Teacher field trips!!!
A4 Keep up on Twitter and write more blog posts. Keep growing as connected educator by interacting w/Ts on social media!
A4: Set summer professional goals and have an accountability partner to check in with
A4: EdCamps, Twitter...if a T mentions a PD opportunity, ask to go with them. Come back & share! Email info you find! Don't stop!
A4: Haven't done it yet, but I have heard that book studies on Voxer and Twitter can be great.
Always helpful to have an accountability partner!!
I have always wondered why there aren't more conferences/pd opportunities in the summer.
A4: I'm trying to get others hip to and also hoping to recruit some people to attend
A4: attend a PD thats out of your comfort zone with a friend. Make a day of it! Challenge eachother. Collaborate on a project.
Hope so-I don't know if they take a hiatus for summer or not.
A4: promote summer book reading series. Summer slow chat for building or district with question for the week
A4: Read some great books...perhaps ?
A4: Staying connected on social media is a constant reminder that every day is an opportunity to grow.
A4: I talk to other Education majors at OUL about books, camps, etc that we can read, talk a lot about Twitter chats too
A4: I am interest in expanding into . Suggestions?
Sounds like a summer for me, you and can you say Holy cross-curriculum https://t.co/1EBJnNf1oQ
A4: attend a PD thats out of your comfort zone with a friend. Make a day of it! Challenge eachother. Collaborate on a project.
A4: There's books, (maybe) Twitter chats, conferences, books, more books, maybe a book club.
A4 I am looking forward to & expect to bring a team from WMHS
A4: Take a bit of time to explore great resources & sites like
A4) it could be an easy exit meeting. Ask their goals for next year & how they will prepare over the summer to meet them.
A4: It's going to be Twitter PLN and reading for me. Recommend and for building school culture
you and I should definitely get on that book club mission, I've got a few teacher books on my summer reading list
A4: Great podcasts with . Love these! Good listening during road trips, too.
I was there last summer. Worth the trip.
A4.1: be proactive and place reminders and reinforcers periodically throughout the summer. Incorporate inspirational messages
A4 Come to the realization that what we do is littered with imperfection
A4: If you work a second job, don't forget to take some days for yourself to rejuvenate for the following year
Q5: What are some things you do at the end of the year to keep everyone excited and not counting down the days?
I'm definitely going to mention this to my principal tomorrow. Thanks for posting that!
Me, too, beyond the required grad class ones. Which ones are on your lists?
A5: Mock trials, presentations, Grammar Idol competition.
A4: Maybe creating a "summer action" team that hosts PDs or sends out newsletters about what's happening in the area/district.
A5: occasionally have to take some photos with the ole selfie stick
A5: Our new idea: We had students nominate parents for awards / recognition. Bringing in parents to be honored by their kids.
A5: we're not celebrating summer, but rather advancing snd moving up a grade! And I have a few tricks up my sleeves!
Grammar Idol sounds fun. Tell me more.
A5: My Ss have been working hard on their readers theater plays! Tomorrow they are creating their set!
Hey! Thanks, Sandy! Love helping amazing educators spread their messages.
A5: Stu-led learning projects. Stu Symposium showcasing stu interests and talents.
A5: Fun events like stu lock-in, fashion show, and concerts.
A5.1: keep on celebrating. Maintaining vision and growth mind set
A5 Our last two big assignments in CCP were: a project/cover letter and a speech. Short turn around, and diff. than 4-6 pps
Ss form teams, craft songs that teach about a part of speech. Must TEACH. Include choreography, "celebrity" judges.
Love this idea! https://t.co/TYDcVYxhzW
A5: Our new idea: We had students nominate parents for awards / recognition. Bringing in parents to be honored by their kids.
A5: Our Cardinal Day carnival is always an exciting event to look forward to at the end of the year! https://t.co/sCdDPIZHZb
I want to actually finish Notice and Note, myself.
So do Ss. I get emails about this & from parents. Ss remember it as a fave all the way through h.s.
A5: Reflect with staff and students on different successes during the school year each week! https://t.co/gUm5Olb8Jz
letters to a young teacher, engaging students with poverty in mind, teach like a champion 2.0, what teachers make
A5: Talk of a whole school field day next year at the end of the year. Thinking this may help create a different sort of countdown
A5: I think it would be kinda cool to have an End of the Year Spirit week. Have something diff each day that Ts and Ss can enjoy.
Love Notice & Note. Also Nonfiction. Both powerful.
A5: Guess I should erase the countdown calendar in my room ;)
I will add that to my list.
I cried in my office yesterday as I read the nominations from students. It was priceless. https://t.co/HatW8MBICV
Love this idea! https://t.co/TYDcVYxhzW
A5: Our new idea: We had students nominate parents for awards / recognition. Bringing in parents to be honored by their kids.
We have a whole month for the Seniors. They make is so much fun. Including a ride your bike to school day.
It's ok... as long as you did not start it on Groundhog day.
Nonfict notice & note is on my list, too.
Thanks to YOU there's book for every educator, every topic, and still keep coming!!! PIRATE ON! https://t.co/nBLJyGAX0X
Hey! Thanks, Sandy! Love helping amazing educators spread their messages.
Q6: What has been your biggest celebration from the past school year?
Parents need to be honored for their hard work as well! It takes a village! https://t.co/nTm6U9RNRs
I cried in my office yesterday as I read the nominations from students. It was priceless. https://t.co/HatW8MBICV
Love this idea! https://t.co/TYDcVYxhzW
A5: Our new idea: We had students nominate parents for awards / recognition. Bringing in parents to be honored by their kids.
A5...I should probably start to ask for volunteers for my last day plan...7 school days away!
does staff get to participate?!!!!
At my HS, there was drive your tractor to school day.
We are thinking some T vs S competitions
From a personal standpoint, I was pretty stoked to be named Alabama's Secondary Principal of the Year! https://t.co/0r3lOTg6Kj
Q6: What has been your biggest celebration from the past school year?
A6 Having the majority of my CCP Ss say that they feel they've grown as writers this yr. First time teaching it, and I agree!
They used to I am not sure if it is still a thing. Dress like Senior Citizen Day was amazing.
What is it like? I've never heard of it.
My wife never believes me that this was a real thing.
A6: growth. I'm always amazed on how much you can grow over a year.
That would be something to be pretty stoked about!
A6: pick just one? 1st year! New gr. level! Adapting quickly! Ss "getting" an idea! Smiles! Laughter! Fun! 70 Ss..70 celebrations!
If we do it, there will be pics and video. may know if it is happening again.
Spirit week was usually dedicated in fall, but how great would it be to be in the spring too? Love this!
A6: Hearing parents say, "My kid hated school until this year." Kudos to my staff.
A6: I have learned so much about myself this school year from my interactions with Ss in my field experience.
A6: Building a vision for a Blended Algebra 1 to support students who are in need of retaking Algebra 1.
A6: This is the time of year when sitting back and marveling at my Ss accomplishments is such a victory! Win-win!
Absolutely! Something this amazing cannot go undocumented.
A6: Being selected by students to hand them their diploma at graduation. Such an honor!
Hate to admit it, but this devotee is fading fast . . . great, timely topic! Let's finish strong!
That's a HUGE compliment Ryan! Your school ROCKS!
A5: Civil War Foods Fest, American History Idol just to name a few!
A6: Knowing I have made an impact when Ss send multiple messages during a personal loss to extend their care. Mature young adults
Over tweeting but again could we help out this S by retweeting and doing this 3 question survey https://t.co/n4TqHAIahr
That IS a real thing thanks to the fact that the district is half cornfields.
Thanks for participating in tonight. Enjoyed the convo.
Okay , graduation was tonight, and baking healthy desserts for staff picnic. I'm signing off. See you all next week?
Yep ... this is ridiculously awesome! https://t.co/l2t2AaZYyo
A6: Being selected by students to hand them their diploma at graduation. Such an honor!
Just for ...follow 5 and follow back to expand your PLN!
A6: Coaching teachers to be a better version of themselves
A6: One area of my position is I get to certify MA, EdS, and PhD degrees in . It's one of the coolest things.
