#APChat Archive | Participate

jcwastler - Moderator Mar 26 @ 8:01 PM EDT

Welcome to #APChat. Please take a moment to introduce yourself.

RPetroske Mar 26 @ 8:03 PM EDT

First #apchat for me (1st twitter chat ever actually). 1st yr AP @ elem school in MD.

In reply to @jcwastler

jcwastler - Moderator Mar 26 @ 8:08 PM EDT

Welcome! #APChat

In reply to @RPetroske

jcwastler - Moderator Mar 26 @ 8:08 PM EDT

Tonight we are discussing "Mindfulness in Our Schools" #APChat

jcwastler - Moderator Mar 26 @ 8:09 PM EDT

Q1: We are heading to testing season...how do you make sure your school doesn't transition into a simply a testing center? #APChat

EduGladiators Mar 26 @ 8:10 PM EDT

🔍Saturday #EduGladiators gets HACKED by @jamessturtevant w/LIVE #afterchat ⏭https://t.co/VEBV4QNN6N #mnlead #nbtchat #wischat #APChat @ASCD

jcwastler - Moderator Mar 26 @ 8:11 PM EDT

A1: It is important to make the test matter, but always work diligently to keep instruction at the forefront #APChat

RPetroske Mar 26 @ 8:14 PM EDT

A1: It's imperative to make learning meaningful yet active. Student-centered activities that engages students physically. #APChat

jcwastler - Moderator Mar 26 @ 8:14 PM EDT

Goal should always be to move the needle enough for students to be successful while not falling victim to the potential impact #APChat

jcwastler - Moderator Mar 26 @ 8:15 PM EDT

Many elementary schools utilize assemblies and spirit weeks to make testing meaningful, but try to alleviate stress #APChat

jcwastler - Moderator Mar 26 @ 8:16 PM EDT

Q2: How do we, as school leaders, make sure that our students (and staff) do not feel the strains of mandated testing? #APChat

jcwastler - Moderator Mar 26 @ 8:18 PM EDT

A2: Make every effort to shift the emphasis of measuring success off of performance and towards growth. #APChat

jcwastler - Moderator Mar 26 @ 8:19 PM EDT

Testing is merely a snapshot into learning. It is most assuredly not our only vital sign. #APChat

RPetroske Mar 26 @ 8:19 PM EDT

A2: I've been telling students that you are not defined by how you do on a test but how you apply yourself to a task. #apchat

jcwastler - Moderator Mar 26 @ 8:19 PM EDT

Hard sell for some students, particularly when that is not the message they receive at home #APChat

In reply to @RPetroske

jcwastler - Moderator Mar 26 @ 8:21 PM EDT

Unfortunately, we have built cultures defined by grades alone. Glad @mssackstein and others have shined a light on a new vision. #APChat

In reply to @mssackstein

RPetroske Mar 26 @ 8:21 PM EDT

Very much a hard sell, but if it doesn't start at home it should start somewhere. #APChat

In reply to @jcwastler

jcwastler - Moderator Mar 26 @ 8:21 PM EDT

When it has been our only system for over a century, it can take a while to shift the needle #APChat

In reply to @RPetroske

jcwastler - Moderator Mar 26 @ 8:24 PM EDT

Q3: March and April are difficult months for teachers. How can we work to support our staff and keep them positively moving forward? #APChat

jcwastler - Moderator Mar 26 @ 8:26 PM EDT

A3: Find opportunities to celebrate the little things and create positive staff experiences #APChat

robinwellshick1 Mar 26 @ 8:26 PM EDT

A3 . working in PD activities or team building moments. Donuts help too #APChat

jcwastler - Moderator Mar 26 @ 8:27 PM EDT

Food works for everything! #APChat

In reply to @robinwellshick1

virgilalligator Mar 26 @ 8:28 PM EDT

A3: part of our 100-Day planning involves building in celebrations. And as a leader, I personally thank and send TY notes weekly #apchat

RPetroske Mar 26 @ 8:29 PM EDT

A3: Continue to build staff relationships to build a stronger team #apchat

virgilalligator Mar 26 @ 8:30 PM EDT

A2: Continuous building a culture of achievement helps so that mandated testing becomes one measure of achievement to celebrate. #apchat

RPetroske Mar 26 @ 8:30 PM EDT

3 words: Ice cream truck! #APChat

In reply to @robinwellshick1

jcwastler - Moderator Mar 26 @ 8:33 PM EDT

Q4: How do you engage your community in supporting your school's positive "energy"? #APChat

RPetroske Mar 26 @ 8:35 PM EDT

A4: Invite them in as often as possible. Build community partnerships that bring them in. #apchat

ChristinaAronen Mar 26 @ 8:35 PM EDT

#apchat A3 Taking teacher duties once or twice a week is highly appreciated.

jcwastler - Moderator Mar 26 @ 8:36 PM EDT

Hey #APChat folks...check out this outstanding post

Leadupnow Mar 26 @ 9:39 AM EDT

Special #empower17 post! Aspiring leaders, what does it take? https://t.co/YULdQbNcBd @curriculumblog. #sunchat #cpchat #Leadlap #satchat

jcwastler - Moderator Mar 26 @ 8:36 PM EDT

Big fan of the personal days handed out by @Joesanfelippofc #APChat

In reply to @ChristinaAronen, @Joesanfelippofc

jcwastler - Moderator Mar 26 @ 8:37 PM EDT

A4: We need to not be afraid to ask our community how they can help us out. #APChat

ChristinaAronen Mar 26 @ 8:38 PM EDT

#apchat Q4: Foster and support ideas teachers have, which sometimes means stepping away from how things have always been done.

RPetroske Mar 26 @ 8:39 PM EDT

It's important to note that we may need to seek them out otherwise them may not know you need it. #apchat

In reply to @jcwastler

ChristinaAronen Mar 26 @ 8:40 PM EDT

#apchat A3: Once a month, I pull one name for a free day off and 3 names for an extra hour of lunch. I cover classes at that time.

jcwastler - Moderator Mar 26 @ 8:42 PM EDT

So very true. #APChat

In reply to @RPetroske

jcwastler - Moderator Mar 26 @ 8:42 PM EDT

Q5: Leadership can be a daunting and tireless task. How do you make sure you stay balanced and look after your own wellbeing? #APChat

jcwastler - Moderator Mar 26 @ 8:44 PM EDT

A5: I find myself sitting at work at 7PM on most days...important to remember I can work from home right next to my little ones #APChat

jcwastler - Moderator Mar 26 @ 8:44 PM EDT

For me, running has become an escape back to reality. Great opportunity to decompress and meditate. #APChat

RPetroske Mar 26 @ 8:45 PM EDT

A5: Get out on the bicycle as often as possible! Also, my boys keep me busy with baseball practices and playing catch. #familyfirst #apchat

nick_schumacher Mar 26 @ 8:46 PM EDT

A5. Hiking and time outdoors with my family. #APChat

jcwastler - Moderator Mar 26 @ 8:42 PM EDT

Q5: Leadership can be a daunting and tireless task. How do you make sure you stay balanced and look after your own wellbeing? #APChat

virgilalligator Mar 26 @ 8:47 PM EDT

A5 My principal sent this to me and I resonated with almost 100% of it: https://t.co/djKYrwClVo #apchat

RPetroske Mar 26 @ 8:47 PM EDT

Replace running with cycling and I agree with that statement completely. Wife often yells at me to get on the bike. #apchat

In reply to @jcwastler

ChristinaAronen Mar 26 @ 8:47 PM EDT

#apchat A5: Admin/office team meets each Friday to debrief on what we are each doing. Talk about ways to support each other. Been AWESOME!

jcwastler - Moderator Mar 26 @ 8:48 PM EDT

Great stuff in there. #APChat

In reply to @virgilalligator

nick_schumacher Mar 26 @ 8:49 PM EDT

This is a fantastic idea. How "protected" is this time? #APChat

ChristinaAronen Mar 26 @ 8:47 PM EDT

#apchat A5: Admin/office team meets each Friday to debrief on what we are each doing. Talk about ways to support each other. Been AWESOME!

jcwastler - Moderator Mar 26 @ 8:49 PM EDT

If the job looks like survival then you are doing it wrong. #APChat

ChristinaAronen Mar 26 @ 8:50 PM EDT

#apchat A5: Remember, most of what you haven't finished will be there for you the next day. Take time for yourself be there for your family.

jcwastler - Moderator Mar 26 @ 8:51 PM EDT

Best advice came from a veteran teacher...told me that it is OK to ask others to help - not a sign of weakness #APChat

RPetroske Mar 26 @ 8:53 PM EDT

I need to keep telling myself this everyday. #apchat

In reply to @jcwastler

jcwastler - Moderator Mar 26 @ 8:53 PM EDT

Most important thing I have learned is that if we keep kids as our center, everything else will work itself out #APChat

jcwastler - Moderator Mar 26 @ 8:54 PM EDT

I always advise APs to debrief daily with the Principal. Ask questions and defend your decisions. It will make you stronger. #APChat

jcwastler - Moderator Mar 26 @ 8:57 PM EDT

Thanks for joining tonight. Be better every day in every way - our students deserve it. #APChat