#NHCSchat Archive
#NHCSchat is a monthly twitter chat for, about and by educators in New Hanover County, North Carolina. #NHCSchat is an opportunity for teachers, administrators and other educators in southeastern NC to grow and develop their personal learning network (PLN) by connecting to other educators in our district and around the world. This monthly chat will create a forum for NHCS educators to gather virtually around the common interest of providing the best possible learning experience for students in our district. Chat topics will vary but will focus on best practices for teaching and learning in the digital age and will be moderated primarily by NHCS educators.
Wednesday July 13, 2016
We are so excited to have , Director of Secondary Education, and , principal at Bradley Creek, lead tonight’s !
Welcome! And thx for joining ! Tonight we’re letting the Admins take over! Our topic is 2016-17: Building Momentum From the Start.
Please tell us a little about yourself. Share your name, your school, grade & what you teach. Don’t forget to use the hashtag !
Great to have Castle Hayne Elementary in the chat!
Welcome Cyndy! Excited to have the Hurricanes represented.
Cyndy Bliss Principal grades PK-5
Hi! I’m Jennifer. I’m a digital teaching and learning specialist/lead media coordinator and chief trouble maker for NHCS.
Honored to be here as part of the as the Director of Secondary Education and former NHCS principal for the last 12 years.
I'm Jeannie Timken, Digital Teaching and Learning Specialist with NHCS
Hi, I am honored to participate tonight and look forward to learning from everyone! Lauren Kefalonitis, Principal Bradley Creek
Kim OBriant NHCS Instructional Services PD
We can always count on to join the conversation!
Kate Tayloe, AP at Pine Valley! https://t.co/7RNFyfHVll
Please tell us a little about yourself. Share your name, your school, grade & what you teach. Don’t forget to use the hashtag !
We will be following the Q1, A1 format for tonight’s . Get ready! Our first question is coming up!
Barbara Ussary K-5 Math K-8 Lead Teacher NHCS
Philip Sutton Murray Middle School.
Deanna Leake - AP at Murray Middle school - I am excited to exchange ideas with fellow administrators tonight!
Always ready to geek out about teaching and learning!!
Katie, secondary sci and math lead
Tim Dominowski Principal K-5
Welcome Mr. Sutton and the Falcons!
A1 Communication is key! Keep stakeholders in the know on all back to school info via social media! https://t.co/FLToS9oLXv
A1. Getting my calendar organized w/dates for PD, regular meetings and, of course, dates is essential!
Woo hoo! Murray MS in the house! Thanks for joining tonight! https://t.co/IkpNro93CU
Deanna Leake - AP at Murray Middle school - I am excited to exchange ideas with fellow administrators tonight!
Glad to “see you” friend!
A1 This summer I am trying to focus on getting an instructional handbook to teachers as well as a detailed PD plan for the year
A1 Schedules, Duties, Evaluation Rubrics and PD roll outs. In addition, building maintenance and room assignments!
A1. Here’s a comprehensive beginning of the year checklist for teachers that can be adapted to your needs. https://t.co/IZNT8T7kpz
So glad you are here! Welcome to
A1: schedules, calendars, matrices, goal setting, letter writing, opening mtg planning
Thanks for joining us Ms. Dominowski!!! Excited to hear your great ideas!
Holly King, Lead Gifted Teacher/HS Science
A1. The librarian in me likes to sort/classify my beginning of the year tasks. Helps me prioritize them. https://t.co/644k4uMviy
Oooh. That sounds cool. Can’t wait to see that! https://t.co/oQGlLwmmvD
A1 This summer I am trying to focus on getting an instructional handbook to teachers as well as a detailed PD plan for the year
Coming in a little late. Kristi from Texas!
Creating a master schedule that accommodates all student needs for the 2016-2017 school year.
My lists have lists who are currently birthing lists!
People don’t realize how much goes into making the first day of school appear effortless! https://t.co/E7K9M6AiqR
A1: schedules, calendars, matrices, goal setting, letter writing, opening mtg planning
Question 2 will be up in just 1 minute!
A1. The Michigan Assoc. of Secondary School Principals created admin checklists for every month! https://t.co/HXB45u3SYf
Thanks for facilitating tonight's chat-
A1 So many Lists! Big priority-Scheduling Board Sponsored field trips
Great to have MC Williams in the chat!
what a great resource Jenn!
Welcome Ms. Oots!!! So excited to gain your insight!
A1. Here’s some tips for surviving the first day of school for new principals from veterans. https://t.co/SFvB7l7NIL
Shared calendar, focused on student needs? That sounds like a winner to me! https://t.co/L7BXSDbCLn
Creating a master schedule that accommodates all student needs for the 2016-2017 school year.
ohh great resource - thanks.
A1: Giving Ts tangible and easy go to resources is a great way to help with their organization. puts great stuff out
A1: To set goals for inviting more Ss voice and curating collections ahead of time
Lucrece Medlicott media coordinator at WBES
Arriving too late probably.Kevin from Ireland
Yay! Love that Williams is represented tonight! Welcome !
Hello Ms. Holland! Thank you for joining us!
A1: Established routines for communication with students & parents, frequent and timely
A2: USPS aka Snail Mail. That’s still a solid idea - not all new staff know how to access their district email accounts.
I am surrounded by Tweet brilliance!
A2. No one method of communication works for everyone. The more ways you share info, the more people you’ll likely grab.
Now THAT’s a pro-tip! https://t.co/Q0w55dlihA
A1 So many Lists! Big priority-Scheduling Board Sponsored field trips
A2. I <3 some of these “good ways to communicate with teachers" from ASCD. Having a staff group would be crazy-cool.
A2 Continual and Open Communication Throughout the Summer! No Surprises. Honesty and Transparency that Plan A may become Plan B.
A1: I maintain the staff calendar in Google and send out weekly updates
A2: I feel that major changes should be communicated over the summer, not when they return. Helps with unnecessary frustration
A2: Email blasts, hard copy letters...
A2 411 is key & little things matter. Priority-let teachers know of unexpected changes ASAP. Person to person communication best
A2. Tone & inflection are lost in email. If the msg is sensitive, deliver it f2f. Then follow up w/an email for documentation.
A2 If it is a change that they will not like - personal phone call. Remind Texts and monthly newsletter instead of weekly
Robin Hamilton Principal at Parsley
A2: Wondering if many Ps use digital alerts like remind or anything (but not for the major stuff of course!)
A2: When changes affect individuals, face-to-face notification FIRST! Email blasts/letters to inform others.
Better late than never. Thanks for joining us tonight! https://t.co/s0kCrgkRp6
Arriving too late probably.Kevin from Ireland
Lots of hardworking happening all over the county.... Summer is busy. I'm HIRING!!!
A2. As the Admin your communication strategies set the bar for how Ts communicate w/Ps & Ss. How high you set it is up to you!
Who’s ready for Question 3?
That's a great idea! https://t.co/sl0uo5T9Ly
A2: Wondering if many Ps use digital alerts like remind or anything (but not for the major stuff of course!)
Great talk today with Castle Hayne Hurricanes -creating a prioritized list/plan of what to share with new teachers to your school
Yes!! ASAP with Honesty and Transparency! https://t.co/hiCe9kpere
A2 411 is key & little things matter. Priority-let teachers know of unexpected changes ASAP. Person to person communication best
A2: Regardless of delivery platform, show compassion - a small change on paper might feel big to the recipient
I think may be doing this already!
Sorry forgot to add the # https://t.co/PrpHJISZZh
A2. I try to make personal contact so that there can be some dialogue regarding major changes- no e-mail
Great point! For so many people it's in the details...delivery is SO important! https://t.co/3pxjgPgydg
A2: Regardless of delivery platform, show compassion - a small change on paper might feel big to the recipient
Glad you are in the chat!
A3 Focus on school goals and give kudos when deserved 4 things that yield positive results Don't tear down but always build up
A3. A shared vision that focuses on the work that matters and reminds us why we chose this business in the first place is crucial.
A3 Setting the Tone from the start, even in the summer! Informative emails, a yearly theme, a motivating message.
A3. People lose their way when they lose their why. A positive/productive culture focuses on the why. https://t.co/cZPNNyfhRJ
A3: When interning at SP, I loved 's practice of establishing a theme each year and carrying it throughout the year.
A3. Passion is contagious! Your enthusiasm for our work, your <3 for your Ts/Ss and your drive to always be better will rub off.
. "Positive thinking will let you do everything better than negative thinking will.”
— Zig Ziglar
A3. I once had a P who poked her head in every classroom, every day to say hello/ wish Ts & Ss a good day. Being visible matters.
I don't know about this, but want to...stat...
A2: set up subcommittees before school ended to work on tasks
A3: Create a Learning Community that celebrates alternative methods
A3. Having a positive theme each year, that's revisited frequently, and especially when motivation is needed!
A4 Must dos:
New staff orientation and building tour
Train and assign great mentors
Let them know how important they are all year
A4. <3 sharing this post abt finding/being a pos influence. Admins: you're the gardner. Plant accordingly. https://t.co/8gn77ufG6y
A4: I ♥ the post about Marigolds. Identify the marigolds and plant them near those new teachers to help them grow.
A4 Informative emails over the summer. Inviting them in over the summer for a proper tour and discussion.
A4. Assigning new Ts mentors is only the 1st step. To whatever extent possible, provide time to meet, plan, observe & reflect.
A3 I love when I see student ambassadors in schools. Their pride is palpable!
A4 Partnering them with strong teacher leaders over the summer to answer questions and begin forming relationships.
Our tech spec. Shared this with me at the end of school- Love it!!
Just one minute until Question 5!
A4: Giving them time to work with and plan together w/a strong mentor in their area is key
A4: I'm lucky to work with . Before we can even make intros, Ts are grabbing other Ts and tucking them under their wing.
Strategic about mentor assignments, team placement, and on-going support throughout the for new teachers.
Great idea. Summer work = jump start! https://t.co/j1WSzpUt5p
A4 Partnering them with strong teacher leaders over the summer to answer questions and begin forming relationships.
A4 formal & informal mentors, orientation, Monthly meetings w/ new & new to the bldg Ts; more comfortable asking ?'s small group.
Oh gosh. At the MS level team placement is everything! https://t.co/qFIxdLXWIj
Strategic about mentor assignments, team placement, and on-going support throughout the for new teachers.
Great idea! Works for new teachers and new administrators as well.
Speaks to the culture at your school
A5: Through , of course! Tweets are a great way to showcase the contributions of teachers!
Have to ensure that meeting are meaningful and not a burden
A5 Teacher leaders= backbone of schools! Let teachers know that it's a team effort and that you can't be successful without them!
A5. This is long, but contains great info and strategies for creating a community of teacher leaders. https://t.co/wP9HAWw8hM
A5 Celebrating them throughout the school and offering them leadership opportunities when possible. Finding complementary talents
Wise words Mr. OBriant! https://t.co/IMxeJzo4lJ
A5 Teacher leaders= backbone of schools! Let teachers know that it's a team effort and that you can't be successful without them!
Indeed Tayloe! Tweet more!
A4: Remind Ts to collaborate w/ SLMCs who know everyone & can help connect Ts w/ both resources & people
A6. A personal note goes a long way. Just a post-it left on a Ts desk wishing them a gr8 day/thanking them for a job well done.
A5- utilize school based instructional leadership team to help drive vision, goals, implementation, and continued support.
A6 Provide Lunch, Welcome Back Treats, Be Organized (welcome back folder with imp. info organized), Meaningful staff meeting.
A6 The little things
Food
Give adv notice of meetings
Protect their time
Have classrooms setup before teachers arrive
Be available
A6. My former P kept a blog w/positive news/observations, prof articles & the occasional joke. Be personable & transparent.
A6 I have found the best thing is having class lists ready (when possible). Reduces stress immediately.
A6: I think Ts want Ps to be prepared...not still preparing. It is hard when Ts to feel behind from Day 1. https://t.co/y4IIs4rX1n
A6. I visit every room before open house and leave a little note complementing Ts on their rooms & thanking them for working hard
A6. Learn alongside your teachers. It means a lot to teachers when their principal models a growth mindset.
I LOVE that idea! https://t.co/7V6pilulto
A6. I visit every room before open house and leave a little note complementing Ts on their rooms & thanking them for working hard
Agree. Nothing feels worse when you walk in and everyone has already done what you still need to do
A6: Food or welcome back treats are always a plus! Also to let them get their classrooms set up without thousands of meetings
Great List - I will add to 1st question list.
That's an awesome touch! https://t.co/L6rkPJuVLK
A6. I visit every room before open house and leave a little note complementing Ts on their rooms & thanking them for working hard
A6 As a teacher I loved when my principal wrote me encouraging notes.(I saved every one of them!)
Your opinion is valued :)
A6: And chocolate...always chocolate
I Love "Be Available!" Great!!! https://t.co/lHHOX9gvvE
A6 The little things
Food
Give adv notice of meetings
Protect their time
Have classrooms setup before teachers arrive
Be available
Team building activities to boost morale and establish positive school culture.
Almost time for Question 7!
Time is precious. We can’t create more hrs in a day, but freeing up a few mins here/there means a lot. https://t.co/KndOZjCzD9
Agree. Nothing feels worse when you walk in and everyone has already done what you still need to do
The gift of time and personal attention are priceless.
Awesome idea! Especially helpful to new Ts!
I have always wanted to have S ambassadors- Admiral Ambassadors has a nice ring to it!!
A7: Celebrate successes first
A6 Help with setting their computers back up! A photo of cord configuration is very helpful.
A8. I’m looking forward to seeing your responses to this question!
A7 Great Question!
We have data meetings at the end of the school year. We also present to SIT during our summer meeting.
A7 Data = team effort Data should not be used as a hammer but as a way to drive instructional improvement. Everyone's data counts.
A7. Be sure the data is in response to a question to ensure that it does not overwhelm
Q7: BOY PDPs are a great time to talk about individual T data that hadn't been analyzed at the end of last school year.
Pair the data with questions that will allow teachers time to reflect on strengths along with the areas with room for improvement.
A7 Focus on trends; accentuate the positives. Everyone can see the areas of improvement without a hammer.
Meet with teams and have the discuss what's going right and acknowledge barriers and challenges
Love this! https://t.co/C1sc8lHCYL
A7 Data = team effort Data should not be used as a hammer but as a way to drive instructional improvement. Everyone's data counts.
Always important to have the staff discover trends in the data for themselves.
Amen. Not every data point needs to be “nailed home.” https://t.co/9rijoNT33U
A7 Focus on trends; accentuate the positives. Everyone can see the areas of improvement without a hammer.
Great job involving them in conversation - will steal this. Max would love it.
A7: Encourage grade level Ts to collaborate and brainstorm where each of them "shines" so they can work smarter
I see vests or sashes with Admiral bars on them in your future!
Yes! I love doing this during my 1:1 meetings! https://t.co/FesXkYDdwr
Q7: BOY PDPs are a great time to talk about individual T data that hadn't been analyzed at the end of last school year.
A7 Be sure this is not you or members on your team~ "Experts often possess more data than judgment" ~ Colin Powell
https://t.co/pThd8xo8fn
Pair the data with questions that will allow teachers time to reflect on strengths along with the areas with room for improvement.
A7: A la have teachers look at data and only allow them to ask questions about it before discussing
Yes and Welcome! Thanks for joining! https://t.co/jgUccA9p1y
Always important to have the staff discover trends in the data for themselves.
Yes. So often the answers to our dilemmas are right there… just down the hall. https://t.co/SC4uQ7uVQV
A7: Encourage grade level Ts to collaborate and brainstorm where each of them "shines" so they can work smarter
A7 Be Succinct-Highlight successes at opening staff meetings & parent forums- Set a target area(s) for growth for the new year-
Okay! are you ready for Question 8?
LOVE...how long do you recommend on questions before discussion begins?
You know I love that idea!
This makes the world of difference to Ts. My principal does this often for us.
A8 Provide collaboration time on school data, & time for instructional planning within PLC's. https://t.co/1Ljn878wue
A8 Purposeful initiatives with school buy in! I always try to not add to the plate but rather modify the plate. Take 1 to Add 1.
A8. The NHCS Digital Badge program continues to grow & can help personalize PD for teachers. https://t.co/A7NERnLYb2
Make sure you have a cogent plan to ensure success! The Knoster Model and Change in Schools https://t.co/It397ula81
We can do it too! That kind of love goes a long way! https://t.co/Tg1CUG9l6c
This makes the world of difference to Ts. My principal does this often for us.
A8 Struggling with how to align and focus deeply with all that is required - can't wait to hear how others are balancing.
Based on the Qs you will know where to begin, what is most important, least understood and most compelling
great question, what say you?
YES...this idea was what was keeping me from an answer...it can't be more...must be purposeful! https://t.co/ORJ7CLrWEN
A8 Purposeful initiatives with school buy in! I always try to not add to the plate but rather modify the plate. Take 1 to Add 1.
You are like the Yoda of questioning! I <3 this so much! https://t.co/F798ObmeN6
Based on the Qs you will know where to begin, what is most important, least understood and most compelling
Always searching for a better question! Love It! https://t.co/s6lbQAomaI
Based on the Qs you will know where to begin, what is most important, least understood and most compelling
Great idea- Modifying rather than piling on more- Do you seek T input to do this? Examples??
Question 9 is just around the corner!
and I imagine takes some practice!
A8 Connect the dots. Focus on how the various initiatives build/mesh/support each other to improve instruction.
It’s okay to spend time thinking about a question. Some questions require more than 140 characters to unpack!
A9: are a few great follows for ideas on innovative leadership!
Piggy backing on -we can't do something just to do it-must be a "why" behind it. Or others will be reluctant to follow.
A9 Long list
Teachers current and past
Senior staff current and past
Principals current and past
Students (all)
Dr. O
A9 Past mentors, leaders in the field, and teachers. I follow , , , ,
I know, I struggle with this balancing act myself. I know Ts can get overwhelmed.
"Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other." - JFK
A9. Hashtags for admins = and, of course,
A9: - their Daily Bulletins curate the latest topics and posts for me...things I might not have found on my own .
Having trouble balancing Artisan Teacher themes and Learning Focused Themes. Ideas?
Yes. We have a PD comm. who works to balance the plate. https://t.co/NbHhGfXYjN
Great idea- Modifying rather than piling on more- Do you seek T input to do this? Examples??
A9 Every other educator has influenced me in some way. Standouts: Max Thompson
We are working on that currently! https://t.co/yUaAa942ly
Having trouble balancing Artisan Teacher themes and Learning Focused Themes. Ideas?
I love Whittaker's practical advice always inspiring and motivating
Maybe we need a crosswalk. cc: https://t.co/WBg8Vhs1iA
Having trouble balancing Artisan Teacher themes and Learning Focused Themes. Ideas?
Hard to believe it is already time for our last question.
Back at ya, friend! https://t.co/0FJjc8i6Xk
A9 Every other educator has influenced me in some way. Standouts: Max Thompson
Ooooh, yes! Someone out there must still be looking for a theme!
John Wooden, former UCLA coach has written the BEST books on leadership
A8-Ts appreciate differentiated PD choices when possible.
A9: and many, MANY leaders and thinkers in
Thank you for inviting me to participate! This was a Blast! I learned so much! !
Now that’s a list I’m honored to be a part of. I feel the same about y’all! https://t.co/uyOSERAiJl
A9: and many, MANY leaders and thinkers in
totally agree. would be fairly easy - just time!
This could be a great forum to discuss ideas for moving forward with initiatives such as Learning Focused and/or Artisan Teacher
Look for natural correlations and possible blending of the two frameworks...illicit teacher leader input!
A10 Would love to see a Sup and Dep Sup facilitated chat. Guess who is joining twitter?
Here is a great article that helped me my first year with faculty meetings Still use "Base Groups" https://t.co/LkB4KPpxr8
Loved this excited to reflect and implement some grade new advice as I open a school year as a new principal
NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! https://t.co/kTJbSUZXhJ
A10 Would love to see a Sup and Dep Sup facilitated chat. Guess who is joining twitter?
Thanks Lauren :) What is this chat for?
Now that would be a sight! https://t.co/HvMHJoo8IG
A10 Would love to see a Sup and Dep Sup facilitated chat. Guess who is joining twitter?
Thank you ALL for participating tonight and for all you do every day for the students and teachers of .
We are so glad you could join us for Hope you will join us next time!
Be sure to join us on Aug 10th when we’ll all share what we learned during our summer vacation! More info: https://t.co/gMooW5rFBG
I would love for us to take a look at this idea, !
This was an AMAZING chat! Thanks to
